PASSING TRAINS PT12

As noted in the last post, the ex-APRR passenger train, The Steel City, was discontinued by Amtrak in 1988. But with a renewed interest in a D.C.-to-Pittsburgh train, it was reborn Sept 20, 2010. Ten months later, it rolls through Hillsdale, behind the then newly repainted GE P42 Heritage unit 156. Same as when it was discontinued, the train is made up of  Amfleet passenger cars, with a baggage car in the lead.

One of the oldest cars in the train has the newest paint scheme! Originally built in the late 70's, this car has been refurbished and given Amtrak's new look- the so-called 'Three Sheets in the Wind' logo!

The final car rolls past as Sam and Briggs talk in the parking lot beside the shop. While the old Steel City ran two trains a day between D.C. and Pittsburgh, the new train only runs one; leaving Pittsburgh in the morning, and returning in the evening. The old schedule also had a train leaving D.C. in the morning and returning in the evening.

The America units roll through town with an unusual assignment; a unit grain train! These are empties returning from the Port of Baltimore, headed back to the Midwest for reloading.

Another train has stopped in the yard to drop off a string of cars for delivery to Wilson Steel Works, including several carloads of scrap, and two empty cars for loading with coiled steel. These will be delivered later this evening by DBW10.

PASSING TRAINS PT11

A trip back to the late 80's...

An Amtrak train -the Steel City- rolls under the bridge and into town.

As was typical for this train, the head-end is loaded with Material Handling Cars (MCH's) for packages and express traffic -although some of them may be empties being forwarded westward and on to Chicago.

The wheel on the door is to allow faster and easier opening and closing -an important feature in a passenger terminal. When Amtrak gave up on non-passenger traffic in 2005, most of these cars went into storage, with some of the oldest being sold.

The tail end is filled out with Amfleet passenger cars. First ordered in 1974, these cars eventually became the backbone of Amtrak's eastern fleet, replacing 40+ year-old cars inherited from the railroads.

With seven cars, the train is right at Amtrak's preferred 'per engine' limit. The original Steel City, inherited from the Appalachian RR upon Amtrak's start-up, was dropped in 1988.

TOWN LIFE PT9

A custom Peterbilt semi rolls into town. The chrome on the trailer is so shiny that you can see the reflection of the cars beside it!

Later in the day, the semi heads back out, passing a UPS Freight rig headed for the downtown business district.

Tony and Tony jr. talk in the lot beside the new tow truck. The old truck still runs, of course, but the new one is smaller and easier on fuel. It is also better at towing cars and small trucks, while the old wrecker is better for larger vehicles.

The city has gotten a bit farther along Main Street with the line painting; now from Tony's to Quidd's Banking is striped. Budget issues have held up this project.

And speaking of finances; two men who lack them lie in the alley behind the drugstore on Market St. After loosing pretty much everything during the Great Recession, they wander the city, working occasional odd jobs when they can find them. The local Salvation Army is working on its building to be able to provide a temporary shelter for people like them; rooms they can stay in until they can get back on their feet.

DOWNTOWN CHANGES PT4

More changes to downtown...

Downtown once looked like this...

But, as a Sysco truck makes a delivery to KFC, we see that change has occurred once again!

The buildings have been re-arranged, and a new one added.

The reason for the change; a new convenience store!

Vic's barber shop and the small tan building are now on this end of the block, while the "rehabbed" drug store is now on the far end, replacing the comics shop.

The parking lot in front of 24 Seven Quik Mart is now paved, making it easier for the truck driver to make his delivery. Notice the new location of Tenth World Comics, beside Perfect Perk Cafe. Downtown will change yet again in the near future; I have at least one more building kit to finish!