TOWN LIFE PT6

A loaded tractor-trailer heads out of town with a covered piece of machinery.

Trash day! A city truck makes its rounds. It's a dirty job, but somebody's gotta' do it!

Short lengths of rail sit in the yard, ready for use. Their primary use is to get the track back in action after a wreck or derailment; like most Class 1 railroads, the AP&W uses continous welded rail on it's main lines. Lately, when the rail gets replaced on the main, the old rail is starting be re-used on secondary and branch lines. The continous rail-often as long as a mile- saves on the use of rail joint bars (which join the sections of rail together) and provide a smoother ride.

The gang gather at the end of the day to swap info about track work, train movements, equipment conditions, sports scores, politics, etc.

The boys at the warehouse work on another car. Someday Tony hopes to get his own garage; but until then, he'll just have to make do!

STEAM EXCURSION PT4

AP 1645 begins her journey west bound with the excursion train. In three hours, she will be arriving in Pittsburgh, Pa.



A view of the dome cars on the head end of the train as it passes through Hillsdale Yard. Speaking of domes, notice all the tank cars in the yard as well. The white cars are for kaolin clay slurry, headed for R&O Packing Inc. -kaolin clay is used to make the shiny coating often used on smaller boxes/packages. The black tank car is for ethanol, a product moving in ever increasing numbers through the area.

A look at the train as it snakes through the yard. Thirteen stainless-steel cars make for one long - and impressive -train! Since excursion trains don't run often - and steam-powered ones even less frequently - this train is well-patronized. Between railfans, tour groups, on-line shippers' VIPs, and even retirees old enough to remember (and wanting to re-live) the pre-Amtrak days of rail travel, the train is carrying almost 500 passengers!

STEAM EXCUSION PART 3

1645 has been added to the train, the connctions made and tested, and we are now ready to go.


A view of the head end of the train, showing the dome cars. The nearest car is the diner.

Before the excursion leaves, a freight train passes through the yard.

Pulled by two AC4400's, the freight is a solid train of loaded auto-carriers headed east to distributers.

After the freight passes, the excursion departs. Bringing up the rear is a domed observation car.

STEAM EXCURSION PART 2

Several dump trucks are lined up, ready to deliver coal to the 1645. The coal will be loaded into the 1645's tender by conveyor.



The excursion train arrives, led bySD40 3174. The train consists of ex- APRR stainless steel passenger cars. Since they still use steam heat instead of Head End Power, the 3174 has been rebuilt with a high short-hood to accomodate a steam generator. It usually operates with the excursion train when the steamers aren't being used.

A water truck is poised to fill the 1645's tender water tank. Soon, she'll be ready to go!

STEAM EXCURSION PART 1

Recently, Appalachian 1645, a 2-8-4 Berkshire-type steam engine, rolled into Hillsdale for use on a local excursion run.

Earl talks with a pair of mechanics as Jim walks up to join him. Earl and Jim will be in charge of the old steamer during the excursion run. Earl has experience operating steam locomotives, as he was once part of the APRR's 'Steam Team' from 1960, when he began with the company, until 1985, when regular steam excursions were ended just prior to the AP&W merger.

The rear of the locomotive's tender, showing the rear light and ladder up to the tender deck for access to the water hatches.

Another view of the steamer shows off its massive size, especially in comparison to the men standing beside it.

The engine waits in the yard for the passenger cars to arrive. She's loaded up with coal and water, fully serviced and ready to go!

The 1645 was built during World War II, in 1942, by the APRR's Cumberland (WV) erecting shops as part of locomotive class K-4, road#'s 1600-1649. Similar in appearance to Berkshires built for the Nickel Plate Road, the K-4's were among the last steam engines built for the AP. Due to wartime restrictions, they were built for freight trains, but handled numerous passenger trains during the war as well. After the war, the railroad invested heavily in diesels like everyone else; the K-4's lasted until the late 1950's primarily because diesels couldn't be purchased fast enough. 1645 was lucky enough to be chosen for the AP's 'Steam Team' in 1957, and has survived to this day, one of only two surviving members of her class; 1634 sits in a park.