Excavation of the Coping Rails

With the excavation of the coping rails comes a big surprise.

We expected them to be about the same size as the rails in the Long family plot. As it turns out, they are much larger and estimated to weigh 2500 to 3000 pounds.

In order to square the rails of the plot, the front rail will need to slide uphill about 8 inches.

Since the cemetery is surrounded by a brick wall with a couple of gates, we have no way to bring in any equipment to help lift the rails into position.

All the movement of the rails, ( squaring, leveling, and positioning ) will have to be done by hand. We will use our pry bars, wooden wedges, and large dowels to move them into place.