OIL TRAIN HL07

The local oil train has returned from the area oil dealer...

A leased CREX ES44AC is in charge today; a lot of power for a small train!

The head-end buffer car is an old, ex- MCK gon full of scrap.

As usual, the cars are the unique GATX TANK-TRAIN tank cars, which feature interconnecting hoses that allow the entire train to be loaded/unloaded from one end of the string instead of the normal process of loading/unloading each car individually.

The caboose is on the end, as is tradition. HL06/07 runs weekly during the fall and winter months, delivering heating oil; during the spring it may only run once a month and maybe once all summer!

GPL11, PT2

The delayed conclusion...

The caboose is left alone on the main, as the train is switched.

Chris stands by as the woodchip cars are backed into the siding.

After "pulling the pin", he steps aside as the engineer pulls forward and leaves the string of woodchip cars. Then Chris will close the switch and open the next one for further car storage.

The final cut of cars is backed into the yard tracks. After uncoupling the locomotive, Chris will close the switch after the engine clears, then ride the steps as the unit goes back to retrieve the caboose and clear the main for resumed traffic.

The train occupies three of the five sidings. A string of plastic pellet hoppers is stored on the far track, while the open track leads to the shop. Note the caboose is waiting for pick-up by the engine. The work has to be done quickly and efficiently, to avoid delaying passing trains on the mainline, but it's all in a days work for the Hillsdale crew!

GPL11, PT1

Train GPL11 returns from the paper mill.

Bill prepares to step off as the train comes to a stop.

The engineer pulls ahead, in preparation for disassembling the train.

The just-concluded holiday season was plenty busy for the mill, as lots of paper was in demand for everything from newspaper inserts to holiday catalogs. Thus, the train has lots of boxcars, tank cars and woodchip hoppers. It is longer than the yard itself!

The string of empty woodchip hoppers stretches around the corner. Next week, we will watch as the train gets broken up and placed into the various sidings.