IN THE YARDS PT9

Engine 3163 sits in the yard with a pair of empty plastic pellet hoppers from Pete's Plastics.

A low-boy sits in the lot with an excavator, ready for work. Meanwhile, a loaded coal train passes through in the background.

Briggs poses in front of one of the shop trucks. The rear crane is useful for lifting the heavy parts found on railway equipment, and is also used to replace electrical cabinets when necessary.

Chris checks the interior of a boxcar sitting in the yard. After making sure it's empty (no hobos!), he will close and lock the door before it gets moved.

Two BNSF GE's sit in the yard as the sun rises in the morning. 972 is in its as- delivered paint scheme, referred to as "Heritage 1", while 617, an ex-Santa Fe unit, has been repainted into the current BNSF scheme, "Heritage 3". While foreign power passes through town regularly, it rarely stays in the yard, making this a treat for the local rail fans.

Several vehicles are parked next to the unused spur. The Mustang belongs to a new hire in the shop. The flag is a recent addition; it may not stay there, but a least visitors to Hillsdale get a patriotic welcome to town!