Scaffolding is truth.

Huh?

Restoration supposed to be about fact rather than truth. Nevertheless, it is still hard work and in its course certain truths make themselves evident. When work started in June of 2002 the crew used a couple ancient examples of ladder technology that the railroad had on hand and what ladders our volunteers could jam in their cars. As time progressed the crew got some ladders of their own and also borrowed a couple sections of Baker Staging (very small scaffolding) from the Robertsdale Crew. Still, a ladder is about 18 inches wide and it doesn't get any wider. If you try to make it so you are asking for trouble.

When work started on fixing the Car Shop track doors, there was little choice but to rent some real scaffolding for the work. The crew sung the praises of scaffolding like a chorus. Ladders are fine when you are working on a specific spot. However there were few jobs where one did not have to be constantly moving a ladder around to reach the work, and the ground is uneven at best around the shops. A volunteer who can work without having to constantly dismount a ladder to move a foot over or risk bodily injury by reaching too far will get a lot more done. It was decided that the scaffolding was too useful a tool do without in 2003. It was cheaper to buy it than to lease it for the year. Fortunately with the Friends Restoration Fund Drive going well (shameless plug for the fund drive! see http://www.febt.org/funddrv.html ) The Board was able and more than willing to provide the funds.

As uses for the scaffolding grew, more parts were added to the fold. We now have enough to build a double tower four levels high, or two separate towers three levels high. It has found use on virtually every project we have encountered on the main shops buildings, as well as on other projects. Scaffolding is flexible to your needs yet solid as a rock when you need it. It promotes safety and increases productivity. That truth has become self-evident.

Scaffolding is truth.
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The Rockhill Restoration Crew schedule for next year is as follows:

March 13-14
May 1-2
May 22-23
June 12-13
July 10-11
August 1-2
August 14-15 (Community Appreciation Weekend)
August 28-29
September 25-26
November 6-7

The scaffolding awaits you.

Chris Coleman, FEBT Webmaster
http://www.febt.org

Friends of the East Broad Top

webmaster@febt.org