THE COMPANY PICNIC PT2

More photos of the company picnic...


Mark Davis and his wife, Jenna arrive. Since he has to work, Mark shows up with his safety vest and hard hat. They are greeted by their children; Matt, Mark jr., and Jessica, who arrived in Matt's yellow Camaro. Like father, like son!

Norman and Bill converse with James, Erica and Jake by the grill.

Sam and Frank talk with Sue and Jake W.

Earl's son Phil pulls into the lot with his family. Recently moved from New York, Phil has followed in his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather's footsteps as an engineer for the railroad. Later, he'll be joined by both his father -currently working the HLP 20- and his grandfather, Old Johnny- probably with his old Model A!

Earl and Mark aren't the only ones working today. Aaron heads back from giving a run-by inspection to a passing freight. The run-by inspection is very important; any potential problems with the train, such as anything dragging underneath the cars, can hopefully be spotted before a derailment or wreck occurs. He also checks to make sure that none of the loads on flatcars and gondolas has shifted out of place and that any tank cars in the train aren't leaking - many of them carry highly flammable and/or toxic liquids!

THE COMPANY PICNIC

To help keep up the employee's morale during tough times, the AP&W's president encouraged the various divisions and facilities to host a company picnic this month. As the accountants cried, every facility took advantage of the opportunity, including Hillsdale...

Being a small operation, at least the Hillsdale District didn't need alot of money for their party. The Chicago District- with over 200 workers- on the other hand...

As Jake works the grill, Ricardo walks over to say hi to everyone. Jim and Bob are in their usual spot- in the back of the pick-up (with Bob in his usual position -asleep!) James is seated with his young son Jeff, while his wife, Erica, critiques Jake's grill skills!

Frank is the man giving his daughter a piggy-back ride. When he's not working on signals and other electronics, Sarah is his next 'big project'. Sitting on the hood of the truck is Jake's wife Sue and their son, Jake W. In the foreground, are Mark Davis' two sons, Matt (the red-head) and Mark, Jr. Everyone is checking out Ricardo's car.

Since he had the day off anyway, Ricardo brought in his customized '57 Chevy Bel Air coupe. It was the center of attention- along with his wife, Linda! Matt Davis is the little boy in front, Sam and Bill are off to the side, and Norman -the division foreman- is on the other side with his camera.

Another view of Ricardo's hot rod and wife. He bought the car from an elderly woman out in the country who was otherwise content to let it rust away in the woods. He gave her $200, and, to both their surprises, the car started! What you see here is the results of ten years of work, much of it done by him; Tony did the paint and engine replacement- a small block V-8 out of a wrecked '88 Corvette! The hood scoop is for looks only. His normal ride is an old red Toyota Land Cruiser.

ALLEYWAY UPDATE

This series of photos show the 'evolution' of the alleyway behind the businesses on Market Street.

This early view shows the wide open space between The Pub and the furniture store. Lots of bare blue foam board!

This recent shot shows off the new 'pavement' going from Main Street to Commerce Street in the background. The hedges at the right-side help define the edge of the alley. Notice, however, that the blue foam shows up behind the parked pick-up beside the store.

The latest shot displays the newly 'planted' hedgerow beside the store. This now effectively hides the blue foam and adds more interest to the scene. I plan to add one or two more of these Woodland Scenics hedgerows along the edge of the alleyway to help add a more 'urban' feel -think over-grown lots!

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!