LION.....You are just going to have to stop eating all those people....soon there won't be enough to take the subway and then there will be no need for it.
''The largest..Deserted..subway in North Dakota''..
Take Care!
Frank
Good morning. Looks like we'll be getting some rain later, so I may take a morning bike ride today. Or, perhaps I'll just take a walk. I think my doctor would be happy with my response to his "get some exercise every day" order, but sometimes I think I overdo it a bit.
I'll be heading up to Bar Harbor, Maine, tomorrow. (Don't send the St. Bernard. There will be plenty of brandy there already.) I'll be off-grid until next Monday, but I've saved the current MR to read at night. Bar Harbor and the Acadia National Park are on an island connected to the mainland by a causeway. In olden days, there was a train to nearby Ellsworth. It was a popular route for vacationers from New York. They've restored a few miles of the route and now run it as an excursion railroad.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Mornin' everyone!
Zoe, I'll have a big bowl of "Heritage Flakes Organic Cereal" and a pot of Seneca Lake Blend Dark Roast coffee to start the day. Thank you Ma'am!
Rained overnight according to the fact that the pavement is still wet outside.... The radishes and lettuce are germinated in the garden (Squash and other stuff was planted earlier..). Probably should see the carrots peek through by the end of the day today. Parsnips will take another several days.
James, always a gut wrenching thing to have to face, but it is good you know it is best for the old girl. Always hard to lose a beautiful family member. Pets do get a special place in our hearts! Will keep you and yours in my prayers during this time.
Garry, 95 and still playing the piano? Good for her! My Mom was playing piano still at 87 before she broke her hip. Sometimes she would complete her favorite song, nod her head accepting the applause from the other residents of the assisted living center, think a couple moments, then say, "Oh, I know, I'll play this...". Then she would proceed to play the same song again... That was OK because most of the other residents had already forgotten what she played........
As always I have more to get done today than there is day... This evening I will be going to a baseball game that my #1 Granddaughter is playing. She got named to the "All Star Team" for her league (They start early these days...) because she got a hit in every game she played. Unfortuately she won't be able to play the "All Star" game as it will happen when they are on vacation next week.
Catch you all later!
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
Good Evening, Gang!
Just dropping by to tell I am still around. I have been rather sleepy all day long. My BP went down into the basement after today´s PT and has not yet come up again.
I am slowly getting ready to head for the mattress. The PT is starting to show some positive effects. I was able to brush my teeth without having to sit down - for the first time in weeks! It may appear to be not much of an achievement, but to me it is a leap forward!
I hope everyone is just fine! Special thoughts to Galaxy, Johnboy and Ken!
Out for the day!
Good Evening Diners,
James, so sorry to hear about your dog. I understand what you are going through as I have been in the same situation several times and it is always hard.
Garry, the Pacific isn't CN but GTW! It is a BLI light and CN didn't have any but GTW did. Besides the paint scheme is far better on the GTW version than the CN one they did. Mine is on loan to CN which did happen from what I've read and it seems that CN sometimes just seemed to keep the engine.
No progress on the bathroom today as the guy doing the job hurt his back. When he does return to work we will have to get him to re-do some of the tiling around a niche as it isn't good enough. He is a very experienced tiler but I suspect he was in pain and trying to just work through it. I don't think he will be very happy about re-doing some tiling as it will mean breaking out a few tiles but it has to be done right.
Not much else to report today. We did take the opportunity to run some errands but that is about it.
CN Charlie
hey there,
Just thought I'd let y'all know I was/am still around.
I am VERY down/depressed, the whole situation that landed me int he hospita to begin with.
MOHsaid last night "maybe you need to go back to CPEP" and I said "if you remember, I didn't want to leave when they booted me out the door"!!!
I see the therapist and psychiatrist both Thursday, and will get an earfull. I DO hope my psychiatrist can getg me the results with the manufacturer or generic manufacturers for the med {it JUST went generic} to get me the $25/m copay deal that is available to the commercial insurCE people for me,the medicare-based insured. We will see. I cannot do it, naturally as the patient, the Dr. has to do it!!! Patients can't do crap anymore/anyway.
we will see.
I had the workings of a migraine working today too, a front is moving through i guess.
I am NOT a happy camper now. best i not rant as I might get banned.
thoughts for those in need, hwo may have it worse than I, such as Ulrich, Johnboy, etc. best of luck to Ken. And anyone ese who needs it.
The best thing I CAN say is that MOH has been by my side all through this, and has advocated for me when they wouldn't do crap for me. AS My Health Care Proxy, MOH has stepped in wen necessary, but could not understnd i WASN'T ready to leave the hospital when theybooted me or I would not have been home as soon as i am/was/were.
P.S. RAY i got your card, but no need to answer it as you now Know SOME of the story of where I was/am/is/are/have been. Thanks for the thoughts, though.
later
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
Good evening.
CN Charlie ... GTW ! Nice ! My old employer for about 20 years of my life. ... In the diesel era, GTW and CN locomotives spent a lot of time on each other's lines as you say the 4-6-2 did.
Ray ... Thanks for commenting. ... When my Mom plays her old songs on the piano, the music is beautiful. Almost gives me goose bumps. She will be 96 in 2 months. ... Anyhow, it is about time for my nightly phone call with Mom.
Galaxy ... Was glad to hear your "MOH" is supportive at this time.... I can't talk much about religion here, but please know you are in our prayers.
Ulrich ... Glad the PT is showing positive effects. .. Keep up the good work !
Happy Model Railroading ~
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Evening Dinners
Flo, Beer please.
New Record Sat At My Store! I have been with this comapny for 2 years now and I have never had a day when no one came in that did not work for us!
Flo please.
Cell Phones maybe the down fall of the USA! I have noticed in the last few years that every company I worked for, employess under around 25 do nothing but punch and poke the darn things! Today was my delivery day and I have two warehouse people that come on the truck. Dave B (not my Dave) all so does manintaines things, like fixing lights and changing furance filters. Today while Dave B was doing the above Rod the other warehouse worker just want to sit on a mattress and punch and poke his cell phone!
There was a lot that needed to be done today! So I had stayed on him to keep things going. I spent the same time on my feet to keep him on his feet if I had done all the need work.
Foot Front First let me say thank you to all that where concern about it. I think I am out of the woods for now. Wound is all most gone, new shoes will be on my feet this Thursday. This last Foot Ulicer Nurse I was seen by really helped me understand what I need to keep the callus in check that causes the Ulcer! I am now buffing it (really sanding it) every day. After running body shops for 20 years, I know how to sand!
Later, Ken
I hate Rust
Hello Railfans! Top of the day/evening to one and all. I hope everyone is safe and well. As one can see, i myself am still alive and kicking.
In General: Not much has changed here except the weather has turned more humid as of late. Add this to the already hot days and it somewhat resembles the cab of a well lit steamer.
I often think when days are like this, what is must have been like on railcrews of yesteryear as they toiled away day after day building this country. Especially those on lines in the southern half of the states, in particular those trudging through our southwest deserts.
Aside from the weather, daily life here is still dismal. As I read from some of you and the troubles your having, i can sympathize. So i tell you what, lets take a break from the day to day problems and take a trip down memory lane....
The railroad front: In my last post i had given you folks a glimpse of whats going on here. The highlites you might say. This time around I figure i would go into a bit more detail. More to the point, since my last post i havent been able to get back to the yard. So no fresh reports to make.
Step back with me 40 years if you will when you, the reader, and I myself wore younger mens clothes. Times were more simpler than now, and a railfan could adventure all over the place usually without hassle.
We are in the mountains. Specifically the minute town of Canton, N.C.. This is Southern territory. A good while before the NS merger. In Canton is a large fibre mill that was called (at the time) Champion Papers. Built circa 1920's and still operates to this very day.
As one would summize, the town is built around it, and survives because of it. To that end, ofcourse it requires a railroad to operate. Even with todays technology, trucks could not handle the load.
Now the railroad isnt here just for the mill. This is the "Murphy Branch". It begins in Asheville (east of here), runs thru Canton, then westward through Clyde, Waynesville, and points westward until it reaches what we know today as the "Great Smokies Railroad". Theres alot of history about this branch which i wont delve into. Lets return to the topic - Canton yard.
It could be one of many days, cold or hot, rainy or not. Ive been here on them all. There is alot of action in this yard. Local service (frt only), and plenty of switching! Not a large compliment of crews either. I will have you know one crew stood out in particular that any railfan would give a gold medal to. I will introduce them in a minute.
The layout of the yard and mill can be seen by a quick google map search, and hasnt changed much since those days way back. The mill takes in chemicals, coal, and of later decades, wood chips by the trainload. Ofcourse paper products are the outgoing supply. And let me tell you, rolls of paper big enough to crush a car much easier than any monster truck can.
Not only did SR serve this mill, but the mill itself has its own EMD switcher that works on the back side of the mill. Usually shoving the strings of coal around, or the chemical cars. SR made work of moving the boxcars on the front side.
Lets take a ride, shall we? But first, let me introduce you to two of the most kind hearted, generous railroaders i ever met. Mr. Yarborough (engineer) and Robert Johnson (brakeman) who went by the handle "Rawhide".
Mr. Yarborough was a very seasoned, quiet, ole railroader that lived up to the gruff look. Albeit his fishing hat attire was out of place for an engineer. Rawhide was a skinny guy, dressed for the part, but younger than Mr. Yarborough. Lets say.... not as gruff looking. Unfortunately, both are deceased now.
Now, the way things worked was usually once a day the local would leave Asheville heading west. Once in Canton the four unit consist would be cut to three. Dropping a freshly fueled GP off in Canton. Then the local would cotinue west for local sevicing of companies along the line on out to the Dayco Rubber plant in Hazelwood (its a Walmart store now!).
The dropped off GP, usually a 38 series, was used as the yard switcher for Canton until the next days local arrived. More than not they could get two days of switching out of them before swapping. As the local returned through Canton on its way back to Asheville, it would pick up the low on fuel GP. The mill is a 24 hour service, so the yard usually has something going on day or night.
Ofcourse being as young as i was, and the fact in this day and age the most advanced camera i knew of was a Kodak instamatic, i do not have any night shots or experiences. But you can hear them, its a very small town you know. Im only a mile away. And there are grade crossings at both ends of the yard.
As i said before, were in the mountains. The last 3 miles or so into Canton are a steep grade. Thus why you would see 4 GPs easily on a 20 car train (with hack). On this grade also is a steel trestle. A very scary one at that, that gives even todays railcrews (BRS) the willys.
So now that youve gotten the basic gist of things, how about we climb into the cab with Mr Yarborough. Theres two seats aside from his, and if he gives his up, I get it! I think ive mentioned before this is where i first got my hands on a throttle, and my caboose in the only seat in the world worth sitting in. Thanks to him.
Rawhide is at the other end of the radio, and on the ground at some length away from the loco. Usually never seen, but Yarborough knows where hes at. If you listen, you can hear Rawhide pass commands to Mr. yarborough. "15.... 10..... 5...." or "come on" or "takem away". I wasnt into the yard operation as much as learning what Mr. Yarborough was doing. And how he was doing it.
Fascinating to any young man how an engineer performs his job. I only looked away every now and then to either keep my eyes open for the tophat, or to take a picture. And ofcourse, true to form for any railfan, im sure i was breaking into the radio conversation more than i should have. You know, "why did you do this and that?" kinda stuff.
Ofcourse there is good with the bad. Mr Yarborough showed me things that I prolly shouldnt have seen. Like how to wedge a torpedo against the deadman, or drag cars through the yard without releasing the brakes (manually) on them. Though that was Rawhides job.
You guessed it, I certainly asked about these things. Ahhhh the ins and outs of railroading! And these were two guys who knew it well. Shoot, many-a-time Yarborough could couple onto a string of cars and youd never ever feel it. A vertible master of the throttle. With the timing of a virtuoso. A little brake hiss here, a little prime mover rumble there. But all the while.... taking care of business.
In those days it was mostly boxcars. And the yard is only a few tracks anyways. Though dont take it lightly. Once your moving down the center track with cars on both sides, front and back of you too, its easy to loose sight of things. And as any railroader will tell you, this is where danger and death lurks!
I was never worried. Even as a young man at the time, i felt perfectly safe smack dab in the middle of the action. It felt natural to me. I knew then, this was what i was placed on earth to do. Most of my time spent in the cab. I dont think Yarborough and Rawhide wanted me to do any ground work. To them i was only knee high to a grass hopper. Also, if the tophat came in from Asheville as he was known to do now and then, I dont think any of us three would be allowed near trains again.
I really miss those days. And I miss those two guys. Now in my adult years i really would like to thank them proper for giving me the opportunity to experience railroading down and dirty. Even though one can hear the rumble of an ole Geep anytime they want by casually standing aside any tracks, theres nothing like feeling it in the seat of your pants! Which is exaclty how its done. Working a reverser, throttle handle or brake.
While GP38's arent anything special by todays standards, I still can hear Mr Yarborough makem howl! I still can hear the "hiss and Haaas" of the independant brake. Though my memory of Rawhides voice has faded into oblivion, the radio talk will never leave me. My, how they worked as a team. They really had it down.
Before you know it, time was up and the shift over. Time to sneak off this short ride and back to the depot for a few goodbyes. I cannot remember the local yardmasters name. I made sure though he was thanked aswell.
Please watch your step getting down, and be sure to grab a few more shots of that black geep. One day they will be a fond memory of railroading that is no more.
Yeah, i know, the mill is still here, and so are the tracks. But those guys arent, and with them went some mighty fine railroading. Southern no longer exists either. A real railfans railroad. Mr Yarborough retired before Rawhide did. Unfortunately he passed not long after.
Rawhide went on to work the Asheville yard. Which suprisingly got me some inside time there. It also got me back in the cab. This time it was strings of SD's. A trip up into the tower. And a sache around the servicing area. But thats a story for another time.
Rawhide retired soon after that. Which ended my railfan career on the Murphy branch (until now). I saw him only one time after he retired. Now, its NS. I know none of them and rightfully so. NS wants nothing to do with railfans and made it quite clear. Even on their last day on the Murphy branch, NS crews were quite, well... mean spirited to put it lightly.
Well my friends, just a little insight to a time long past to help you pass your day. Hopefully taking your mind of the woes your enduring. Next post hopefully i will have a view of what its like today on the Murphy branch. Theres a new kid in town i mentioned, by the name of the Blue Ridge Southern. Itll be interesting to see how they handle the mill, and if they let me relive those days of yore.
The mill still has that same ole EMD switcher around back. But up front.... things are done with strings of SD's. Far cry from dragging braked cars around with a lowly GP38. I hope theres a seat for me in the cab! I will let yall know!
Douglas
Hi guys
just getting ready for work. I hope to be out by 3:30, I'm usually 8-4:30 but am going to try to sneak out a hour or so early. Then I'm off for 4 days. Tomorrow I will spend the morning out in the yard then the afternoon when it gets hot I will be working on the layout. Talk to you guys tonight sometime
jeremy
Good Morning Diners,
Flo, I'll have a very large cup of coffee with lots of cream, please.
Douglas: Wow! That's quite the story. Takes me back to when I was a kid back in Kansas. I used to go down to the yards and watch the crews switch to the grain elevators. My dad had a medium format camera (nothing expensive, but took same size negative), and I did take a very few pictures of those days. I have a couple of a Rock Island crew turning a Geep around on a manual turntable. I wish I had taken more.
Many years later on a visit, I went back to that spot and the turntable was gone, the pit filled up, and there was no real evidence that one had ever been there. I scoured around in case I was mistaken about the exact location. Nope! It was gone, and so are most of the other industries and locations that were once thriving in the town. The big elevators are still there, but the flour mills are gone.
Well, gotta go to work.
I hope everyone is OK and safe.
Jim (with a nod to Mies Van Der Rohe)
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Zoe, just need another pot of Marrakesh Express Dark Raost Organic coffee please....
V8VegaHe hit a fire hydrant at 100 MPH, broke that off and he didn’t survive, a gun was found.
Poor Fire Hydrant.......
Sun has been trying to shine all morning around here. IUt has been successful about 50% of the time. My son and my Granddaughters should be coming over early afternoon to hook onto the trailer and help me haul some metal recycling over to the place in Seneca Falls that takes it. Any payment I get for it I will give to my son for the gas. We are then going to bring my old gas powered rototiller to my house so I can prepare the area in back of the shed for another narrow raised bed.
The contractor came yesterday and finally finished up the living room. He did a great job and the only reason he took so long was the additional items I kept adding to the job. I'll get some pre-furniture photos sometime today hopefully. Late this week some of the furniture should be arriving.... Late this afternoon I will head down to Lowes here in Geneva and see if they have the curtain rods and the curtains in stock. Would like to get them all installed before the furniture arrives if possible.
Currently 69°F outside with a high in the mid 70's this afternoon. All told a nice day here in the Finger Lakes Region of NYS.
Rest In Peace
Beautiful, Noble, Loyal, Friendly Ginger Dog
You Will Be Dearly Missed
Jim
Diners, I want to express my sincere appreciation for your kind words on the passing of my Airedale. She will be missed by both of us.
Thanks,
Jim... You are more than welcome. Losing a pet is heartbreaking. ... At this moment, our grand daughter is in tears because she just lost her pet rabbit which she had for a few years. ..... Sad time.
Douglas ... It was good of you to share operations on the Southern Railway. It is good when Diners talk about the real trains they have observed.
Reminds me.... Where is PA Tom? It has been a while since he posted his railfanning photos.
V8 Dennis ... Now you do quite well with typing .
Flo, Beer Please.
VA Hospital Front. Spent the good part of the day at the VA to see my Dr. My blood pressure is a tad high at 142 Over 68. Did not say he was going to change any Meds. Far as my foot wound, he thought it looked pretty good at this point and so do I. I am getting better at buffing the callous and have more skin showing than callous.
Thursday will be a long day for me! I get my new shoes fitted at 8:30 AM then off to work and get off at 8:00 PM.
For all of our lost dearly loved pets.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
Crying now, got to go.
Ken
Evening guys
I cant believe that tomorrow is the last day of school for kids, It just feels like it was September. I have a feeling its going to be one of those summers that just flies by. I am off for a few days and will spend most of the day tomorrow out doing yardwork and trimming the bushes. I have a seniors condo that is behind me and they are getting a new roof put on. At the moment I am just making a list of some office supplies I will need eventually ( I will buy them in August when the back to school sales are on ) I kind of have a thing for pens and pencils nothing like a nice pen. I also am going to do some layout work this weekend. I am ongoing weathering freight cars and have added a waybill system to the railroad using the micromark set. Those two things are my main goal this summer. It will take years to weather all the cars but hopefully on days when im home and the weather is raining or just too hot I can get some done.
Hello all
Jim, sorry to heaar of the dog's passsing. We lost a 17 year old cat about 3years ago. we still have a now 17 year old cat who, despite his age, is apparently rather healthy, even though he lost 1.5 lbs. He has gotten finiky over eating, not prefering the dry stuff, and in favor of the canned variety, whch we try to limit, so he isn't reliant on someone to open a can for him!
The one who passed is in a nice cat shaped urn on top the TV, we will repeat the smae whne his time comes.
Due to having lost so many pets inmy life, I have vowed we WILL NOT replace this onewhne his time comes, MOH is NOT SO SURE about that, though, I willhave to talk mOH out of any new animals.
It is too heartbreaking when they go.
I am still "bummed" tonight. I see the psychiatrist and my MH therapist tomorrow, hopefully we can get something done to get me my proper meds.
Then i also see the orthopedic surgeon for another shot in the arm to delay the surgery in the L shoulder til fall.fun fun.
That is about it
thoughts for thsoe hwo have worse health problems than I, though I am sure many who have worse conditions afe generally not suicidal ideational like I am still at this point. Hence the reason i was involuntarily commited to the CPEP ward at the hospital, even though I went VOLUNTARILY. GRR.
I got one of htose small LED USB port lights fro the laptop, It is only aobut a month od and is dying already! Not happy about that either. It helps shed light on the "dark side of the keyboard' as I always seem to have one.
Well, I just thougth I'd post to let you know I am still alive! for now, anyway.
So sorry i forgot to add condolences to Jim. I read a couple days ago you said you would have to put your dog down. I know it's sad but you did what was best that they no longer have to suffer. I had to put a couple dogs down.
Galaxy, I hope you get something worked out tomorrow.
Morning guys
seen it was quiet here last night. I plan on getting out early to start trimming those bushes. I may cut the grass also as it is suppose to rain over the next couple days. Today is the last day of school for kids here. I'm sure my nephews wil be looking forward to the summer off
Flo, I'll have an extra large cup of coffee with cream abundanza.
Jeremy: Do you like fountain pens? I've used those for decades. Just don't really care for ball points. I dropped one of mine and need to get the nib replaced. Since then, I've been using Pilot "Precise V5" extra fine rolling ball pens. i get consistent ink flow without the flat spot found on so many role ball Pens. Still not quite the same as a good fountain pen.
Dont have anything to report train wise.
Glad to see Ulrich and Galaxy still with us, alive, kicking, and feisty as ever. Keep up the PT and other.
Morn in' everyone!
Jim, I'm keeping you and yours in my thoughts and prayers... I know how difficult it was for you to say goodbye to your beautiful dog! I've had to make that decision a couple times myself and don't look forward to the day I'll have to do that again for my sweet kitties. It will be doubly hard as they were a gift from my dad just before he died.....
Zoe, just a refill for my cup of dark raost coffee please.
Have to run a couple of errands, then spend most of today cleaning house. I have to vacume the living room and then can start getting some items moved back out there. May go get the curtains and curtain rods today as well. have a Scout Meeting to go to tonight. Last meeting before they go to camp, so I will do a Commissioner Evaluation of what I see tonight.
Lion, that is some interesting trackwork! How many levels are shown in the photo?
Catch you all later.
howmus Lion, that is some interesting trackwork! How many levels are shown in the photo?
The bottom level is a single track from South Ferry on the left to Courtland Street on the right. The main line runs from 242nd Street 4.5 miles to South Ferry, this track loops around the table and returns to 242nd Street. This track is level, at the table top level.
The next level, almost completely hidden is the "Secret Tunnel" holding two tracks that run between Nevins Street in Brooklyn and Lenox Avenue in Manhattan. It allows the express trains (the red trains) to run in a continious loop and is running up hill from left to right.
The third level are two single tracks that go up from Smith-9th Street on the left to 8th Street on the right.
The fourth level is a double track line that runs from Smith-9th Street on the left and Lenox Avenue in Manhattan. The third and fourth levels are on the same level at Smith-9th Street, the express going down to Lenox, and the local going up to 8th Street directly above Lenox on the right of the table.
The fifth, top level runs from 42nd Street on the left up to Coney Island on the Right.
ROAR
a beautiful Day out today. I was able to get the garden cleaned,grass cut and bushes trim. The backyard is really nice right now. I'm going to spend the night working on the layout. we are under a special weather statement for the weekend as we are suppose to get a lot of rain and wind. I will just stay in and work trains. Today was the last day of school so I'm sure kids are happy today. Well off to check on dinner options and some layout work
Hello Railfans! It seems by some grace or another I have managed to get a day off from the routine. And you see where I went to - straight to something that involves trains. Though I should prolly be down at the yard, right?
Garry - Thanks for the kind words. I figured with so many of us having health issues and/or problems with beloved family members (our k9 friends), a break from the woe and despair was needed.
V8Vega - Being in the puter industry since the beginning, typing was a must. You might not believe it but a story like my last post only took about 15 minutes to eek out. I can type as fast as you and I can talk.... as long as neither of us stutters!
With the one exception of - texting. They are so small who can type on them? What I really dont understand is why does anyone do that anyway? I mean, they are phones people.... you TALK on them, they arent typewriters!
Without further adieu, lets get to...
The Railroad Front - Now in my last post i told you folks some of the past history of the rail action found here. I also said my next post (this one) would bring us to the current.
Since i didnt go to the yard today, i will relay what I do know so far.
About a year ago, NS sold the Murphy Branch to WatCo. Some conglomerate holding company located out in the midwest. The railroad they use here is called the Blue Ridge Southern. I am sure there are photos available of the paint scheme around the net somewhere. If you havent seen them, their units are base coat = dark blue, with yellow block striping.
The logo has other colors such as orange and red along with blue and yellow resembling a sunset. Its a circle type logo.
I am not aware of any rolling stock owned (havent seen or heard of any) other than locomotives. I have been told the Murphy Branch isnt the only branch out of Asheville they are operating on. To wit: they run south from Asheville to the famed Saluda hill. They also run north east out of Asheville to a point unknown to me as of yet.
I am told that Canton is their servicing facility which seems odd to me. Like any service facility, you can always find a loco on the team track as I have everytime i pass the Canton yard now. For heavy work, they send them to Linwood yard or one other place. Asheville yard im told only has a car shop now. Only a year old, none have had to go yet.
The service area has a few new sheds and supplies lying about but mostly only light maintenance happens here. You know, monthly inspection stuff. BRS did erect a modern sanding tower, and repainted the old depot/offices. I havent been inside yet. (in SR days, it resembled a locker room, an office, and storage room. Who knows what NS did on the inside, and now its BRS's turn).
About all you will see in the service area is a late model Ford utility truck, and a fork lift. They do have a box container (same you see on container trains) used for storage over next to the depot. Theres about 75 yards between the depot and the service area.
Google map search will show you the layout of the place, but not the advancements since NS was here (they need to update the satellite photo).
Now for the juicy part - the locomotives. Which, other than personel, is really all that BRS brought in. Going small to large, the roster ive seen so far is 2 GP-39's, 1 SD40, and 3 SD45's. The latter 3, all reengined with 16 cylinders dropping their hp to 3000. For some reason, BRS classes these as SD40-2's. Same frame as the SD40 class, but thats where any pertinant similarity ends between the two models.
Now BRS has other units in the area. The other two branchs Ive mentioned, and the times I have been there, some units were out on the road. My guess is there is atleast 3 more GPs around here somewhere. I will find out and update later.
Being that the 45 series has always been my fav EMD (F units a very close second!) i decided to check these out first. Apparently other than the new prime movers and paint, all other details give them away as Union Pacific units (originally, SP units secondly, now BRS units). Again, more i find out about the units i will update.
The strangest thing of all this was until NS came round, SD units were never seen here. Now, not only do they run the local service between Asheville and Canton, they also use the 4 SDs as the yard switcher. All the while the GP39 sits on the house track. How totally reversed from yesteryear. And IMO, if railroads are trying to save money, it makes NO sense to do yard work with 12000hp when 2000 would suffice.
I have seen not only the 4 SDs do the switching, but at same time at west end of yard, two other unknown units were switching (the missing units - i dont know what they are as my view angle and distance was not good enough to tell). I could tell that the way they were switching, was saving them run around movements.
I do have some nice pictures (well nice as i can make them, i do NOT make any claims to being a good photographer) of NS (from the past) and BRS (from a year ago to present) if anyone wants. Email me using my email address in my profile. I do have Southern pics too, but those are sooooo not good shots. Hey, i was a kid, ok?
There you go fellow railfans. Your catching up to me now on the what fors and where weres of the BRS Murphy Branch. Take care all!
Flo, please and give the Buick Guy one as well! Wow, 2 days in a row Douglas!
Lack Of Work Front. So far this week my store total income has been a whole $30.00? I really don't know what is going on, the outside of the store looks better than it did but is getting slower?
Realestate Agent came by today and took some photos for the listing. Kind of made me sad, I hate to see the store close, but I all so see no reason Mavin should keep it open!
Dave Front Pretty sure I have seen the last of him untill he picks his junk up from the store if he remembers he has stuff there. Last day Dave worked Marv was asking him what the Dr's are saying is wrong with him? All Dave would do is clear his throat then stare at Marv. Marv asked again, Dave cleared his throat again and just stare at Marv some more?
Shoe Front Boy the Hanger Clinic is way faster than the VA! Last time I got shoes from the VA it took a hour to fit the inserts to my feet. With Hanger Clinic everything was all ready pre-fitted, fitted fine and I was in and out in under 10 minutes!
Well we have a and I am beat, so later.
Evening all,
I'm ready for an icy cold . Yow! What a scorcher today. 101 degrees here at my house...95 inside the house, and only one room with AC. Glad the humidity is only 10%. Suppose to hit 103 degrees tomorrow. Not common for northern Nevada. Smoke from the 16,000 acre wildfire south of Lake Tahoe is hazing up the area and trapping in the heat at night.
Want to work on the layout...but...no way, that's not where the AC is.
Think I'll make it a movie night in the one cool room.
Heading to Carson City tomorrow morning to get the car serviced and make a few other stops...then home.
Good night all
Mark H
Modeling in HO...Reading and Conrail together in an alternate history.
a nice start to the day the sun is out and is going to be a nice day, a big change in store tomorrow and Sunday with rain and wind. Plan on doing more layout work today, might go out for a bit to enjoy the weather.