IN THE YARDS PT2

After all of the construction from last week, it's time to take some of the equipment out. No longer needed, the excavator is loaded up on the lowboy trailer and ready to go as the driver heads for the cab.

The semi pulls out of the lot, and heads out.

One of the company's hi-rail trucks rolls out of the yard on a maintenance job. While the Hillsdale crew has had MOW trucks for some time, this is the first non-pickup hi-rail truck for them, hence the almost spotless appearance.

Sam talks with Jim and Bob at the start of the shift. Reportedly, new crew-cab pickups are on the way, meaning that now Jim and Bob can ride in the cab and not in the truck bed!

Speaking of new trucks, a new MOW truck, with a crane and the new company logo, sits in the lot. This truck will be used for putting up/replacing signals, signal sheds, line side control cabinets, grade crossing signals, etc.

Brad watches as the tail end of a train passes by. So far, he hasn't had to arrest anyone for trespassing or vandalism, just warn a railfan or two about staying off company property. Still, he must be vigilant; in rural areas like Hillsdale, sometimes guys like to use line side signals for target practice!