Ballasting, the old fashioned way. With the track in place, and securely spiked, the task of applying ballast begins. Here, the WW&F crew is seen ballasting the southern approach to the new Trout Brook Trestle. Since the WW&F does not have any modern steel hoppers, heavy stone is transported to the work site on flat cars, with wooden side panels. When the drop site is reached, the side panels are removed and a gang with shovels surrounds the car. On command from the Team Leader, they begin removing shovel loads of rock and placing it around the rails and ties under the car. When the load has been completely distributed, the crew will check to make sure that any remaining rocks are off the rail head, and the train will move ahead. Power for the ballast trains this day was provided by the 1891-vintage WW&F Steam Locomotive #9.
