October finally brought a small group together to do a little work in Independence. A pleasant, yet very hazy, weekend was the backdrop for things. Keeping Inyo Counties social distancing rules in mind, a group of only 7 of us came together to extended the track another 60 or so feet towards the museum. The future end of the track is actually in sight and a couple hundred feet away, in a straight line!
Our former Apache Powder flatcar is moved to haul rail. 
A 1942 TD14 bulldozer 
Track laying continues to the north
While track work was occurring Dave and Craig got our WW2 era bulldozer going to move a dirt pile in our path. It was quite a site to see that machine pushing dirt around; and yes, rumor has it that our very machine was used in John Wayne’s The fighting Seabees.
#18 looking like its in the Owenyo yard with boxcar #15 
Lots of antique power! 
Craig Leck’s 1931 A coupe 
Putting #18 to bed for the winter
With track work well underway #18 was fired up for the first time in 2020 to provide a little training for a couple of folks on the fire up and shut down procedure. We all took it for a trip up and back while generally having a grand time.
The flatcar in service 
The current end of track 
Future end of track looking southwest 
The Independence yard
Looking ahead, assuming circumstances will allow, our hope is to have a larger gathering after the first of the year with a focus on completing the museum extension track, switch, and performing the annual inspection on #18. Hope to see everyone in the Eastern Sierra’s!
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