IN THE YARDS PT5

Sam and Jim converse before Sam gets back in the yard tractor and takes the trailer to another storage lot. Apparently, the internet warehouse now carries Athearn products!

Later, Briggs and Lance talk outside the shop. Looks like a new shipment of parts has arrived.

With internet security being a big issue these days, STCS, Satellite Telecom Security, has been called in to upgrade both the computer system and the software.

A visitor to the yard; NS 8888, one of their unique standard cab Dash 9's.

Since it is equipped with a standard cab, the a/c unit is on the roof, instead of under the cab, as with a safety (wide) cabbed unit. The NS was the only railroad to order GE's Dash 9 with the standard cab, but they quickly switched over to the wide cabs; reportedly, GE made the wide cab "standard", and the standard cab an extra-cost option in an effort to lower costs and streamline production.

At the rear, the unit features ditch lights. Sadly, these units are no more, as they have all been rebuilt into AC44C6M's; new locomotives with AC traction motors -and brand new wide cabs. In 2013 8888 was repainted into NS' then-new "horsehead" scheme, then was rebuilt in 2017. Both jobs were done at the ex-Conrail Juniata shop in Altoona, Pa.

Smitty Lumber is delivering a load of plywood to the Hillsdale Shops. The boards will be used for repairing boxcar and trailer interior walls.

The trailer dropped off last week now sits alone in the lot. While now retired from interstate hauling duties, it will still see usage storing parts and other materials - a mobile warehouse.

Tie replacement is an ongoing thing on railroads, and the AP&W is no different. Here, a centerbeam bulkhead flatcar is loaded with brand new ties.

And the old ties fill a string of gondolas beside it. Note the string of empty rock hoppers beside them.

A Case excavator sits on a flatcar at the end of the string of gons. Originally designed for demolition service, it is now in used tie collection service; not only is the grapple good for collecting piles of ties, but the elevating cab makes it easier for the operator to see over the tops of the gons.