IN THE YARDS PT10

Gen-set 300 is parked with train FEL31 after returning from a recent trip to Farmingdale Ethanol.

Chris and Will converse with Jason as the day begins.

An Auto-Max auto carrier sits outside the shop, having been dropped off by a passing freight due to a defective wheelset. While the wheelset will be replaced, the graffiti will have to wait to be corrected!

As the markings on the right end state, UTLX 301279 is for calcium carbonate or clay slurry loading only. Today, she is loaded with clay slurry for delivery to the paper mill. Note the rust spots around the loading platform -these seem to be common on these cars.

JTIX 100310 is a former coal-hauling gondola that is now in scrap metal service, as evidenced by its load. It, and the conventional gons on either side of it, is headed to Wilson Steel, where the scrap metal will be recycled into new pipes. And speaking of recycling; the green boxcar is loaded with baled cardboard for RO Packaging to recycle into new boxes!

PASSING TRAINS PT9

Train AT57W (Auto Train 57, Westbound) rolls into town, with a string of autoracks loaded with import cars from Europe headed westward.

On the head-end are the big AutoMax cars; the first one is a BNSF car.

As is common with these cars, graffiti shows up on this one.

Behind the AutoMaxes, are these Thrall bi-levels; like the AutoMaxes, they are articulated.

The last part of the train consists of conventional auto racks.

The final car is this rusty CP Rail tri-level.
AT57 travels between Detroit and Baltimore, with domestic cars headed east to distributors and foreign cars headed west. Another train, AT55, travels between Detroit and Hampton, Va.; a third, AT58, travels between Detroit and Jacksonville, Fl., with a stop in Atlanta, and AT56 travels between Detroit and Kansas City. Additional trains also carry auto traffic across the system, especially intermodal trains.

TOWN LIFE PT7

Hillsdale residents traverse downtown on a quiet afternoon.

A man goes in for a haircut at Vic's. He'll also get the latest opinions on everything from sports to politics to local events -it is, after all, a barber shop!

Another man waits for a semi to roll past before getting into his car. He's wearing his coat on this cold day.

On another cool day, Tony's Garage has a lot full of cars, including a Monte Carlo, a 72' Chevelle, a VW Golf with custom orange rims, and a Hummer H2! With the next big snow always around the corner, tune-ups, new tires and even minor repairs are always in demand!

Traffic rolls past the big billboard beside the bridge. Unfortunately, it was erected on soft ground and had to be taken back down; the lean is evident in the photo. Given the prime location, it will return -as soon as the city engineers figure out how to keep it stable!

IN THE YARDS PT9

Engine 3163 sits in the yard with a pair of empty plastic pellet hoppers from Pete's Plastics.

A low-boy sits in the lot with an excavator, ready for work. Meanwhile, a loaded coal train passes through in the background.

Briggs poses in front of one of the shop trucks. The rear crane is useful for lifting the heavy parts found on railway equipment, and is also used to replace electrical cabinets when necessary.

Chris checks the interior of a boxcar sitting in the yard. After making sure it's empty (no hobos!), he will close and lock the door before it gets moved.

Two BNSF GE's sit in the yard as the sun rises in the morning. 972 is in its as- delivered paint scheme, referred to as "Heritage 1", while 617, an ex-Santa Fe unit, has been repainted into the current BNSF scheme, "Heritage 3". While foreign power passes through town regularly, it rarely stays in the yard, making this a treat for the local rail fans.

Several vehicles are parked next to the unused spur. The Mustang belongs to a new hire in the shop. The flag is a recent addition; it may not stay there, but a least visitors to Hillsdale get a patriotic welcome to town!

DOWNTOWN CHANGES PT3

More changes to downtown...

Two new buildings have been added to downtown!

The first, yet another vacant shop, though with a newly painted storefront. The tan building that was here has been moved to the end.

The other is currently being renovated, with a new sheet-metal front wall. One of the front doors has also been replaced. Rumors of a fitness center have not been confirmed by the building owner.

The industrial end looks the same -just moved further down the street!

While not downtown, another change is significant; lane painting has begun on Main street!