A NEW LOCOMOTIVE

Recently, several new locomotives were delivered to the Pittsburgh Division, which includes Hillsdale.

Here are two of the new engines; a pair of EMD SD70ACe's, they were two of 50 delivered in 2005. Notice they are both "kits" in primer grey.

Even though they are on the west-bound tracks, these two engines are headed east to the Cumberland, Md. shops for finishing and painting. They will also receive new couplers.

(OK, I just couldn't wait to try out my new sound-equipped engines!)

One of the two engines is now complete, and in service. 9272 is painted in the Operation Lifesaver scheme. The graphics help brighten up what otherwise is a pretty drab 'dip job' paint scheme!

As is typical of today's locomotives, the unit is covered with warning labels describing trip, fall, and high voltage hazards.

On the rear, only the road number is displayed on each side of the headlight. 300 of these engines arrived between 2005 and 2007; about half were shipped to Cumberland for final assembly due to EMD's lack of production space. The Cumberland shops are capable of this work; during the steam era, many of predecessor Appalachian RR's locomotives were built there. After the end of steam, the shops maintained diesels. During the late 60's/early 70's, they rebuilt numerous older locos either with upgraded/rebuilt engines or as engine less slug units. With neither EMD or GE offering a medium-horsepower unit, plans are underway for rebuilding the road's fleet of SD40-2's for use on locals and yard work; these too will come out of Cumberland.

REFURBISHING A CRANE

Recently, a refurbished crane passed through Hillsdale...

The crane sits in the yard, waiting for pick-up by a west-bound.

Recently refurbished by the Cumberland, Md. shops; the crane is missing its required markings. Since it won't be leaving the AP&W's rails, it received a waiver from the AAR for its transit to Akron, Oh. for finishing work. Notice that the flatcar in front not only has a load of rails on it, but it, too, needs to have is reporting marks added!

Two Herzog gondolas are behind the crane. Apparently, the crane has -or will- see some action on the way to Akron!

Newly repainted and given all the requisite reporting marks and warning labels, the crane is back in Hillsdale with its new crew. Norman talks things over with the guys as they take their lunch break.

Later, an AP gondola is coupled to the crane so work can begin. While the crane operator prepares to climb up into the cab, another man talks to the crew at the work site on his radio. Recent storms have dropped a few trees on the Dale City branch, so clean-up will soon be started!

Notice the the warning labels on the side; the one at the rear warning of the crane swing, and the one on the cab door stating "Only Authorized Personnel" can operate this crane. Another small warning label is below that one warning of the fall hazard. And lastly, not only are the reporting marks stencilled, but the '8' is several inches too high!

NIGHT SHOTS CONTINUED

More 'nightime' views of Hillsdale...

A close-up of the newly installed streetlights and lighted vehicles on Bank Street. By the end of the year, there should be two more lighted vehicles (and possibly another streetlight or two) on the other side of the street. Since this area is hard to get to, I want to gather up all the materials before I proceed.

Several vehicles sit in the light by the storage units. The area by the dumpster for the AP&W's MOW lot is also lighted by the lamp; Bill's truck and Norman's car are sitting there, waiting for their owners.

In the MOW lot itself, the 'Port-A-Potties' sit, along with several trucks, as a train passes by in the background.

An overall view of Main Street, with both the streetlights and the lights on both ends of the yard in view.

Another look at Main Street at night. And yes, Hillsdale does have a bus station downtown!

NIGHT SHOTS

With the additional lighting added to the layout, more of Hillsdale can now have a night life!


A late night piggyback train passes through town. Now, I can actually see the train!

Taking photos in a darkened room is always a challenge. But when you can get a back-lit shot of a train to come out, the results are always worth it!

Tony's is closed at this late hour, but the lot is well-lit to (hopefully) discourage trouble makers.

After having to work late, Mr Phillips now has to take a late jog at night, instead of during the early evening. Now that Main Street has streetlights, he can do so safely!

The light from the sign for the Salvation Army Thrift Store reflects off the rails of Hillsdale Yard on a quiet evening.