IN THE YARDSPT17; THE END

Chris and Jason prepare to get back into their truck after inspecting one of the switches in the yard. Among the amenities at their disposal; a roof-mounted spotlight, hi-rail wheels for those times when they need to ride the rails, and a generator in the back, along with a tool box and a metal basket full of spare coupler knuckles.

Two visitors to Hillsdale are these two BNSF GE C44-9W's, the second one still in Santa Fe paint. While foreign power is not unusual passing through, to have it sitting in the yard is. They may have been sidelined by minor problems that merited a quick look before heading back west. Still, what a catch for the local railfans!

Another sight in the yard is this load of pipe, awaiting movement east to New Jersey. The load originated in Gary, Indiana.

A brand new office has been erected! Now Maggie has a space all her own to handle the yard's business affairs -including payrole!

A look inside sees Sam at the desk inquiring about his training record, while James and Will lounge on the sofa. Another desk will soon be added for the various supervisors in the division. And the vending machines outside the shop will probably be moved in here as well -out of the weather.

THE END!
Not really. Like most model railroads, the AP&W gets rebuilt/upgraded to keep things fresh (interesting). And there were definitely some things that I wanted to change on the layout. So, follow us next year as we see what changes time has brought to the layout!

THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN!

It's the return of the Christmas train!

The train rolls into town, with Santa on the front smilling and waving (when not clutching the handrail!) to passerby on nearby Main Street.

With the train parked in the yard, Santa goes to the cabooose, to greet the children. This year, along with his usual helpers, another "assistant" is there; a man with balloons! The company photographer records the joyous event.

Meanwhile, Chris and Doug check over the other cars in the train, making sure everything is in good order.

Mike and the engineer, Henry, converse while waiting on Santa. Henry enjoys this run, as it takes him across the eastern half of the railroad, from Chicago to D.C. It's a busy assignment, but a fun one; being a grandfather makes the kids' smiles all the more enjoyable!

After the gifts have been handed out, the train is off for Dale City. Santa rides the front for a short spell, before he heads back into the cab. This time of year, the roof top a/c isn't needed!
Yes, that is a bridge in the background. More on that next year!

TOWN LIFE PT22

Ms Martha, Gary, and Richard gather in front of the Salvation Army, ready for the kitchen to open up for lunch.

On another day, another homeless man sits on the newly placed bench outside, with his worldly possesions beside him. Contrast him with the man about to get into his shiny new Mercedes Benz outside Cristie's Pet Supply. Does the Benz owner look at the homeless man and think about how lucky he is, or does he even see the other man?

Ted drives away from his storage unit with a load of old appliances, headed to the local scrap dealer. But, despite its looks, the old truck won't be dropped off there as well!

Utility work at the corner of Main and Bank streets. Obviously, the work was done during warmer weather; note the Beetle convertible with the top down!

The Sparkling Springs Water vendor is back in town. Will their business ever grow enougth to merit a bigger truck?

A view of the buildings downtown. Only the top floor of the tan building seems to be occupied, while every floor of the cream building is in use. How much space is available in the Delta Building?

IN THE YARDS PT 15

A new Engineering Department car has shown up in Hillsdale!

Car 30 is an old, WW2 troop sleeper, that was purchased after the war and converted into a dynamometer car. A dynamometer car is used to help test a locomotive's performance in service. When the APRR began dieselizing during the 50's, the car was used to test the various demonstrator locomotives produced by the builders; the results led to purchasing decisions. Today, the car still tests locomotive perfomances -and it still has its Allied full cushion trucks, which were banned in interchange service soon after the war!

Painted Engineering Blue with white roof, the car stands out. Note the recently applied yellow conspicuity striping. Underneath, from left to right, are the water tank, equipment box, and battery box. On the roof, the smokejack for the heater is in the center, two vents are on either end, and the exhaust for the diesel generator is on the left end. A bay window allows the engineer to observe track conditions while in motion.

Car 30 is coupled to Sewalls Point in the yard.

A group of crewmen walk past Car 30, on their way to a pair of crew changes with two passing trains.

All three area engineering cars are here.The local engineers are glad to see Car 30 show up; unlike the other two cars, it has beds and a kitchen! Given Hillsdale's location in south western Pennsylvania, this is a good place to test engines and other equipment; if it fails the repair shops are in nearby Cumberland, Md.!

TOWN LIFE PT21

The park now has an old APRR caboose on display!

A man photograghs the caboose, while another one jogs past on the trail.

Meanwhile, another man takes a picture of a couple sitting on a bench in front of the old caboose. Built in the early 50's, the car has been restored to its original appearance and paint scheme. "Always Professional Service."

Another recent addition is this flag, complete with concrete base. No doubting Hillsdale's loyalty!

And, in a final update, Glover Park Hardware now has a small parking lot. While unlined, it does keep cars off the street, making things easier for customers. Meanwhile, they still have several riding mowers available for anyone who needs one!