SPRING EXCURSION

Another steam excursion train passes through Hillsdale...

This time its a small, turn-of-the-century steamer!

The as-yet unlettered engine dates back to the late 1890's; it was updated with a generator (in front of the cab) and an electric headlight sometime before 1910.

The train passes the giant Schnabel car sitting in the yard. Note the size difference; the Schnabel is bigger than the excursion train, and it's not even loaded!

As the train passes through town, the riders get a good view from the open sides of the car. The two long benches run from end-to-end, allowing easy viewing of the passing scenery.

As the train rolls out of town, it passes the World Travel Service. Can we go there to get tickets to the next excursion?
Caring for a 115+ year-old steamer is not easy; fortunately there is an army of volunteers to help keep the old girl going!

IN THE YARDS

The layout is back up and the trains are running again. Time for a look "in the yards"...

With the re-arranging of the buildings in this area, there was once again a vacant lot by the parking lot. A new storage shed for the M.O.W. crews  fit the bill -and the space! Notice that Bill's old Chevy STILL needs a new paint job!

Allen takes a break on the front bumper of the hi-rail Ford. The stand next to him is for the storage of mu hoses (the cables that electrically connect locomotives together so they can be run from one cab).

Norman and Dale Williams talk next to Dale's new toy; a 3-wheeled speeder! With its small bed, Dale can carry small tools and signs around Hillsdale Yard; the enclosed cab keeps him warm and dry on bad weather   days. And the small size makes it very easy on fuel compared to a pickup!

While they talk, SD40 3163 arrives with Extra22; a short transfer from Uniontown with reefers for Johnson Foods. Although from the looks of it, that first reefer may be headed to the shop for some work first!

Also new in Hillsdale Yard is a security guard. Brad patrols the yard in his new Ford Expedition EL, keeping trespassers and graffiti 'artists' at bay. He also watches out for track hazards and non-functional signals as well.

TOWN LIFE

The trains have returned to the rails; now life returns to the town!

A motorist and his broken down car meet the tow truck and its driver across the street from Domino's. It seems that the motorist has been here before...

Glover Park Hardware is now open for business in its new location.

The church pastor and his wife watch as their daughter mows the grass. The riding mower will make short work of the small lawn!

The location is new, but the need is not. Ms. Martha, Gary, Tom, Richard, and Joe wait outside the Salvation Army for lunch as Betty greets them.

The traffic has returned to the city as well! A new Swift Trucking Cascadia waits its turn at the stoplight, along with a businessman looking to cross the street.

A NEW LOGO PT2

The new logo spreads!

SD70MAC 8663 sits in front of the shop, awaiting her turn to receive the new logo.

The new logo is now in place. No more "undec lease fleet" look!

Bill and another worker are in the shop as work progresses on another car.

AP&W 30 now has the new logo, to the left of the door.

One of the other Engineering Dept cars, caboose 4345, now has the logo as well, on the cupola.

And now, the car honoring the nation's MIA/POW's has the new logo as well.

A NEW LOGO

In addition to a new look on the layout, I am also adding a new look on the AP&W's locomotives and rolling stock; a new logo!

SD80MAC 8431, the first to receive the new logo, sits in front of the shop building.

A closer view of the new 'Star' logos.

SD40 3163 shoves a company service tank car down the shop lead.

Into the shop the car goes.

The finished product! Norman, Dale Williams, and Paul admire the shop crew's handiwork.