PARKING LOT WORK PT2

First, the gravel gets spread out along the shoulder. Although small, the mini-excavator is more than capable of handling the job. And it's faster and cheaper than having a crew of guys with shovels doing the same work!

Here, the contractor does grooming work. The swinging arm feature on the excavator comes in real handy for this kind of work as the operator can get a closer view of the action. Looks like someone moved the wheelbarrow back into the work zone.

Sam and the contractor look over the results. Job well done!

PARKING LOT WORK PT1

A documentation of recent construction work on the layout...

The problem: bare cork showing at the edge of the road. What was needed was more gravel along the edge to match the shoulder on the other side of the entrance ramp.

Sam and the contractor discuss the work to be done. The gravel is loaded on the dump truck, ready to be dumped and spread out. Meanwhile, the wheelbarrow and air compressor trailer by the shop have been moved out of the way.

Here the gravel is being dumped in preparation for spreading.

NIGHT SHOTS!

With the slow, but steady, introduction of lighting to the layout, I have been able to do a few 'nightime' shots...

The gang of bikers can now hang out safely at night, thanks to the newly installed security light at the back of The Pub. Meanwhile, the party's on inside!

A new light helps keep the M.O.W. lot safer at night too. Here, James walks home after finishing up for the night in the shop.

Of course the warehouse and storage facility need lighting to help prevent breaking and entering from occuring (crime never sleeps!).

A view of the new Budweiser billboard sign at night. In the foreground, the 'Beer on tap' sign welcomes drinkers to The Pub!

TOWN LIFE PT8

A trucker goes back to his rig after getting directions. Interesting to note that instead of the traditional moving van, his trailer is a 48' container on chassis!

Meanwhile, Sam and Bill talk with the delivery driver from Air Products. Yes, the oxygen tanks need re-filling. No, we usually don't refill them from the back of the truck! Yes, an exchange of tanks would work just nicely!

The crew gather around and listen to old Johnny spin tales about "the Good Old Days" as he sits on the bumper of his Ford Model A. Purchased by his father in 1931, the car has been restored at least twice during the subsequent 75+ years. Old Johnny himself- like his father before him, and his son, Earl, since- worked for the railroad after finishing school. World War 2 sent him overseas to fight the Japanese in the jungles of Burma; upon his return he gladly went back to cleaning out steam engine boilers! He retired in 1985, after 45 years of railroading and now enjoys watching others do the hard and dirty work!

Tony is still busy fixing up cars for the upcoming car show. The '48 Ford is now ready, along with the 'Hemi Barracuda, '59 Eldorado convertible, and Shelby Cobra. Tony may be busy, but at least he gets to work on some VERY cool cars!

After working late, James walks to his truck. Thanks to the newly installed lighting, he can find the proper key more easily -as well as his truck!

A STRANGE TRAIN

One recent day, this peculiar train passed through town.

On the head end, a three-unit spine car leads the way. Loaded with a pair of trailers and a container, this is probably yet another intermodal freight passing through.

Yet, following the spine car are not more intermodal cars, but a string of tank cars! According to federal regulations, loaded tank cars cannot be placed directly behind the locomotives in a road freight train for safety reasons. Apparently the spine car is being used to provide the necessary buffer.

Following the tank cars are two well-graffitied boxcars, with more tanks to follow.

Later in the train are these gondolas, followed by a string of high-cube boxcars.

On the tail end are these two auto carriers, with two Engineering Department cars bringing up the rear -including a caboose! Now THIS is a mixed freight!