WEEDS and Overhanging Brush are a challenge in motorcars operating on this branch line.  North Texas received a LOT of spring rain.  Tall grass and brush growth will be a challenge.  CHIGGERS will be a challenge.  Bring your own Deep Woods bug spray with DEET.  I will have a Sulphur Sock (powered sulphur in an old sock) available for use as well. 

Chigger prevention is:  DEET and sulphur around all tight fitting clothing points.  After the run, take a HOT bath with a strong diluted bleach component and firm scrubbing after the run.  Otherwise, you will be itching these hideous critters for the next three weeks!  Be forewarned this will be a tough run of weeds, brush and some crossing clearing needed!

This railroad is operational.  However, freight traffic is down along with lower train frequency.  Also: bridge repairs are planned on dates parallel to our motorcar run dates.  At the time of publication there is no way to predict the rail distance we may be able to travel. 

Operational Plan:

We will travel round trip on about one-half of the railroad each day. Daily mileage is about 65 miles. 
We will set-on at downtown Sulphur Springs, TX east across Hwy 154 from the historic SSW Depot.  
We will run either eastbound or westbound from Sulphur Springs depending on railroad operations each day.
If time permits, there could be additional mileage at the end of each day.

Paperwork process and Set-On:
Saturday & Sunday

Begins at 7:30am and continues through 9:00am.
Individual Set-on under direction of EC on-site.
Inspections and paperwork after set-on. 
IF everyone that pre-registers is present, we
could depart earlier.  Please inform me you are
attending!

Safety Briefing at 8:45am at the lead motorcar.
Departure about 9:00am

On a eastbound run: Lunch at Mt. Vernon, TX.  There are a couple of restaurants within a short walk from the railroad.

On a westbound run: Lunch at Commerce, TX.  There are a couple of restaurants within a 1/4 walk from the railroad.  Please note there is a steep hill to climb from the rail to an adjacent pasture on the way to lunch.  This is a difficult climb for the mobility impaired.

About 1.5 hours are planned for our lunch break.
Return to Sulphur Springs  planned for about 5:00pm

All participants are REQUIRED to wear a safety vest while on  NETC property.

Motorcar operations on this railroad are a privilege.
Lets help ensure future runs by being extra safe while on the property.

This will be a long day of motorcar operations.  Please be well rested at the start of the day.

Wear proper footwear for the environment.
Leather boots with steel toes preferred.  Please no open toe shoes.

Restricted speed:  Always be able to stop your car within one-half the sight distance.

Grade Crossings:  Automobiles have the right of way.  Additional details at the safety meeting.

Additional Items to keep in mind:
Always be on the alert for moving equipment while working near any Railroad tracks or facilities.

Do not step or walk on the top of the rail, frog, switches, guardrails, or other track components.

In passing around ends of standing cars, engines, railroad machinery, and other on-track equipment, leave at least one rail car length (50 feet) between yourself and the end of the equipment.

Avoid walking or standing on track at any time.

When it is necessary to walk or work on track, always keep a sharp lookout in both directions for approaching trains.

Before stepping or crossing tracks, look in both directions first. The same is true when walking around machinery and equipment on and about the tracks.

Do not sit on, lie under, or cross between cars except as required in performance of your duty and only when track and equipment are under proper protection.

In multiple track territory, do not stand on one track while a train is passing on another.

Always expect movement at any time, on any track, in either direction.

Always keep in mind that a split second of inattention can result in a serious accident.