High & Dry at High Rock

What Comes Next?

We are hopeful that we will be able to proceed with grading of the site and installation of switches in 2020. This is extensive work that will have to be contracted, and it may be necessary to construct a retaining wall along the edge of the existing concrete pad. Once the grade is established and switches installed, we hope to be able to use volunteer labor in construction of the sidings. Our plans have been discussed with township and conservation district officials, and we do not foresee any zoning or permit issues. One unknown that may impact our ability to proceed is the possibility that we may need to make structural repairs to the existing High Rock shop building. The need for and cost of repairs is currently being evaluated. Construction of the new building is not likely to be possible in the next year, but it is a very important aspect of our longer-term plans that we intend to pursue as resources become available.

What Will All this Cost?

At this point our plans are not sufficiently developed to give an overall cost estimate. The cost will depend heavily on specifics of the grading and storm water management and on our ability to obtain relay and donated track materials. What we can say with certainty is that the cost of the entire project will substantially exceed our available resources. We currently have about $48,000 in previous contributions in hand. Improvements at High Rock are also an eligible expense for the $50,000 Warehime Foundation grant we recently received, but some of these funds will probably need to be used in support of other projects. So, we have made a good start, but raising additional funds is going to be the key to how rapidly we can advance.

Our First Steps

Our first steps are to develop a site plan which includes site grading, storm water management along with how the building and sidings would be placed. These are the essential first steps.

Conceptual Design of Track Layout & Shop

Exploring the Property at High Rock

The Property at High Rock?

The property is a 6.67-acre parcel along the south side of High Rock Road. It borders the railroad on the east for approximately 730 feet, including all of High Rock Cut. At the intersection of High Rock Road and the railroad the property has a low, fairly level section that has a concrete block garage building with two large bays, high ceilings, and large overhead doors. On its north side a frame lean-to extension houses office space and a currently inoperable restroom. At a higher elevation on the hill there is a double wide manufactured home which is currently leased to a tenant who has lived there for four years. The property has a well and conventional septic system that serve both the garage and house.

Why was it so important to obtain this property?

Acquiring this property was a very important strategic opportunity for our Society. Owning the property will have three enormous benefits.

• First, High Rock is the only place along our railroad where large rail equipment can readily be transferred from road to rail. The property will assure our continued ability to bring in new equipment and ship existing equipment to outside contractors for needed work we cannot do ourselves.
• Second, the property is not in the flood plain of Muddy Creek and will be a much safer place to store equipment than our existing sidings. In 2003, 2011, and 2013 our tracks at Muddy Creek Forks were inundated by floods while the track at High Rock remained above water. We are currently making a large investment to restore our 45-tonner. If we store it at Muddy Creek Forks, we risk expensive damage to the traction motors in future floods.
• Finally, the Loder property is one of only two parcels along our entire line on which it is feasible to build a shop building that can accommodate large railroad equipment for indoor restoration, maintenance, and storage. An indoor shop facility is a crucial strategic priority that is essential if we want to expand and sustain our operations.

How will the Society use the property?

The existing garage building will become a new home for our Equipment Department, replacing our shop at Muddy Creek Forks. This building has more usable space and is not subject to flooding. With its restroom restored to operation, clean office space, and more open and flexible floor plan, the building will provide good space to house our supplies, metal- and wood-working equipment, and motor car equipment maintenance activities. As soon as finances permit, we will construct rail sidings on the property for storage and maintenance of our large equipment. We are currently studying how best to lay track so that two or three tracks can be covered with a building to provide indoor work space for the restoration and maintenance of large equipment and storage space to shelter our most important equipment from the rapid deterioration that results from continuous exposure to the elements.

Our Ultimate Goal

Our ultimate goal is to build a modern repair shop with a pit, concrete floor, and high-quality work and storage space for our large equipment. Imagine what our equipment volunteers can accomplish if they can work indoors year-round and store our most important equipment where it is protected from the ravages of sun, rain, and freezing weather.

You Can Help Us Reach This Goal

We are currently raising funds to make improvements to the Loder property (High Rock Project) and develop it for our use. The two adjacent pictures of other railroad facilities will give you an idea of how we could use our property. Please consider making a donation, recognizing that every dollar you contribute will help us to meet the goal of using this property to its fullest. The Society is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Every donation, large or small, will bring us closer to the goal of a modern repair shop with a pit and concrete floor, along with a high-quality work and storage space for our large equipment. If we all pull together, we can make this dream a reality!

Current Project Status

Check out the lastest developments at High Rock by reading »

» "Two Steps Forward, One Step Back" by Craig Sansonnetti from our York Mail.

Contact Information

For more information please contact: