YARD ACTION PT4

After returning from Uniontown with a short train of cars for local delivery, Sam, Bob, and engine 3163 get back to work...

3163 runs around its train after setting out the cut of cars bound for Wilson Steel. The newly installed cross-over switch on the west end of the yard now allows this maneuver.

Now coupled to the other end, the crew is ready to depart with the short train to service the customers in Hillsdale; the Hillsdale Ready Mix, Pete's Plastics, Hillsdale Public Works, and Smitty Lumber.

The cut of cars for Wilson Steel sit in the yard, awaiting forwarding to Dale City.

Dale Williams takes a break beside his utility vehicle, which now has a flashing light on the roof for visibility.

Pulling their usual assignment, CDB-47, the America units roll to a stop for a crew change.

YARD ACTION PT3

Last week, we saw the local head out to Uniontown with a transfer. Now, let's watch as they return to Hillsdale...

3163 returns with another short train in tow.

Jim is on the front "porch" of the engine, as others in the yard await the train's arrival.

On the head end are a pair of loaded bulkhead flatcars for Smitty Lumber.

There is also a 'block' of empty cars for Wilson Steel Works, including the modified flatcar in the foreground for hauling bundles of rebar.

Also for Wilson Steel is this car for hauling steel coils. The hood protects the coils from the weather, greatly reducing the amount of rust that forms on the coils.

On the tail end; a tank car of chlorine for the Hillsdale Public Works water treatment plant, two hoppers full of plastic pellets for Pete's Plastics, and a cement hopper for the local cement company.

YARD ACTION PT2

Last week, DCL9 returned from Dale City. This week, we'll watch as the crew switches the train.

Paul uncouples the loaded ethanol tankers, and the rest of the train rolls forward. (Yes, contrary to last week's report, these cars ARE loaded!).

Next, he throws the switch for the siding that several of the cars will be stored on.

Chris spots the cars as they are coupled to another set of cars that will be headed west later.

Paul then uncouples the cars to be "parked", and the train moves back out to the main. The cars left behind are the empty corn syrup tank cars and the two empty reefers; all will be heading back west for re-loading.

As the train re-connects to the ethanol cars, Paul gets ready to re-connect the air lines.

Connections completed and air lines pumped up, the train rolls out as an unscheduled extra to Uniontown with the loaded cars. Why drop off the empties when they, too, are headed west? Because they will be picked up later by a passing manifest that won't be stopping at Uniontown -and loaded cars are a priority on the AP&W!

YARD ACTION PT 1

Last week, we saw engine 3163 and her crew, Sam and Jim, preparing to leave Hillsdale Yard for a trip out to Dale City. Let's watch as they return...

As they arrive with DCL9 (Dale City Local), Jim is on the steps preparing to step down, while Chris radios their arrival with the yard master.

Gondola loads of pipe from Wilson Steel head up the train, along with these boxcars picked up from the paper mill on the way back from Dale City.

There is also a string of empty tank cars from City Fizz.

After the tank cars, two big cryogenic reefers from Johnson Foods.

Last up are a string of empty ethanol tank cars from Farmingdale Ethanol; the crew was real busy this morning!

A look at one of the pipe loads in the three gondolas from Wilson Steel. Next week we'll watch as this train gets broken up in the yard and has several of its cars switched out.

IN THE YARDS PT4

A look at life in Hillsdale Yard...

Maggie and Sam talk at the end of the day. The PT Cruiser is hers, the F-250 is his, and the Jeep Wagoneer belongs to Earl.

Chris and his girlfriend talk before he starts his shift. He drove in (it's his car), but she'll be the one driving the rest of the day! She'll come back in the evening to pick him up; he'll drive them home -if he's not too tired!

Sam and Jim get instructions from Dale Williams before heading out on a run to Dale City. Watch next week for the details of their day.

Two security vehicles sit in the parking lot. The Jeep Cherokee, Brad's old ride, is soon to be retired. The Ford Excursion is a Railroad Police vehicle that travels the Pittsburgh Division, visiting with the local yards and coordinating security.

An old Mack semi sits in the gravel lot at the far end of the yard, loaded with old ties replaced during recent track work. Since they are still in relatively good condition, they will be sold to the local building supply dealer for resale to the public; they make good flower boxes!

A nighttime run of the AP&W's business train rolls through, with the company's new logo proudly displayed on the rear!