DEMO GOES TO WORK PT3

For the past two weeks, we have seen NREX 2009 testing out on locals in the Hillsdale area. Now, let's take a final look at the demo unit.

Once again, switching out hopper cars after a trip from Pete's Plastics.

Another passing freight has set out a string of reefers for Johnson Foods.

The crew picks them up, and moves them to a yard track in preparation for delivery in the next run to Dale City.

Later, NREX 2009 returns from City Fizz with train DCF13, 8 empty tank cars, and two empty boxcars -the latter delivered empty soda cans.

At the end of the day, Ricardo steps down off the demo unit. He was impressed with the unit's performance! Throughout the tests, she handled well -well enough that the railroad went ahead and ordered a genset unit for Hillsdale!

DEMO GOES TO WORK PT2

Last week, we saw the new NRE genset unit leave town with HLP20 going to Pete's Plastics. Now, she returns. (The trip really didn't take a week, I swear!)

Now returning with HLP21, NREX 2009 comes to a stop with 3 loads and 8 empties -including an empty cement car picked up from Hillsdale Ready Mix.

The reason the train is stopped on the westbound tracks soon becomes evident; C-DB 47, a Chicago-D.C./Baltimore intermodal is passing through.

While the train is an APW priority train, NS pool power frequently shows up -the two railroads have recently begun teaming up on numerous routes, leading to speculation that a merger may be in the future.

As is often the case, the train stretches through town. The rainbow of colors is provided by a variety of international containers from all over the world! Many of them will be shipped overseas from the Port of Baltimore.

After the intermodal passes, the local crew gets to work switching cars around the yard. They work quickly and efficiently; next train will be coming through shortly!

THE DEMO GOES TO WORK, PT1

Last week, we saw the arrival of NREX 2009, a gen-set demo unit.Now, let's put her to work!

NREX 2009 is seen returning from the paper mill with GPL11. She took 5 loads and 5 empties out; she returns with 3 loads and 9 empties. On the head end are three boxcars loaded with newsprint rolls.

Among the empties are; 4 woodchip hoppers, three kaolin clay tank cars, and two boxcars.

The next day, NREX 2009 was on train HLP20 to Pete's Plastics. Venerable unit 3163 sits in the yard as the prototype for her potential replacement prepares to leave.

Another shot of the demo unit, ready to depart.

Train in tow, the unit heads out. Today's train; 7 loads (the plastic pellet cars), and 3 empties. Next week, we'll cover the return train.

IN THE YARDS PT12

The boys watch as a tractor-trailer pulls out of the lot. As noted before, there is a trailer lot at the far end of the yard where various trailers are stored. Soon, however, this will change; plans are underway for a repair shop to be built there.

Chris and John check with the yardmaster as William inspects a tank car for a possible leak. Fortunately, the car's load, kaolin clay (used to make magazine pages glossy), isn't hazardous or flammable. If the car checks out O.K., then it and the boxcar behind it will be headed to the paper mill.

If there is a problem, these two trucks stand at the ready to handle it! In fact, the Ford cab-over is the converted rescue truck purchased after a derailment last year.

One of the less-glamorous jobs in railroading is cleaning the locomotive cab -including the bathroom! Still, Jeff takes his job in stride.

Bill, Norman and Chris check out the new arrival from the ground, while Earl does the same on board. The new gen-set switcher has arrived! NRE 2009 is a demo unit that the AP&W is testing at various locations throughout the system. It has three separate 700hp gen-sets that come on-line as needed depending on the power needed. While not powerful enough for large yards, smaller ones like Hillsdale are ideal for such a unit. NRE 2009 will be here for a spell, testing; let's see how she does!

TOWN LIFE PT16

A new Vanhool Astromega double-decker tour bus demo unit sits in front of the travel office. Hillsdale Bus Lines is interested in the new bus for its popular Atlantic City weekend tours. That's one of the company drivers doing a walk-around of the bus.

Later, the bus was turned around and parked across the street. The Atlantic City driver is preparing to board the bus, as the company's owner waits by the door. The passengers will board at another location in town -where there is sufficient parking for their cars!

While the bus prepares to leave, someone else is at the travel agency, looking for a ticket out of town!

At the storage center, a couple has just finished unloading their rental van into a storage unit. A fire forced them from their home; they'll be staying with relatives until repairs can be made.

Miss Martha is greeted at the Salvation Army center by Betty, a long-time staffer. The two go way back, and will spend several hours chatting and keeping each other company.