P.C.C.M. 38: Three Layout Unit Coal Train!

Hi all,

We're embarking on a cool expansion of the virtual ops by featuring cars from a unit coal train on three layouts!  Train URN-3 left John's New York Central Train Layout on Saturday.

Here is John's blog post about the dispatch of this train.
http://newyorkcentrallayout.blogspot.com/2017/08/pccm-38-dispatch-of-unit-coal-train-urn.html

Many cars on URN-3 will be transferred to the Genesee Coal Docks in Rochester by the Kings Port & Western and B&O after it arrives on my Kings Port Division, but a cut of cars will also head south to Weehawken where they will then be transferred to Neal's Atlantic Pacific Railroad for eventual delivery to the R.M.O. Electric Company.  Here is Neal's blog that will later note the cars arriving on his layout. 
http://atlanticpacificrailroad.blogspot.com/ 

This is an exciting development! We're moving cars between three layouts and will see photographs of their progress down the line!

The action started with the dispatch of URN-3 from Terminal Yard on the New York Central Train Layout.  Follow now as a Red indication notes the arrival of URN-3 at West Mill.    Three large six axle GE U boats lead the heavy tonnage train as it passes WM tower.

Penn Central and pre-merger scheme PRR hoppers that will be routed to Weehawken make up the first block of this train

Now entering West Mill Yard Limits...

...and passing the four F units (KP&W and B&O) that will take over responsibility for hauling most of  the rest of the train toward Rochester. 

URN-3 slows to a stop at West Mill....

A yard switcher pulls B&O caboose C-3000 that will be tacked at the end of URN-3 since the train is being transferred over to the B&O and KP&W which operate the connections between West Mill and Rochester. 

While the caboose move is getting started, the quartet of F units fires up at the engine track to move toward the head end of URN-3 and take over the train from here.

Once past the Yard Tower the consist backs up to couple onto the the coal hoppers of URN-3 that are headed to Rochester. 

Coupling up with the hoppers.

The hoppers for Rochester are slowly pulled forward.  B&O as well as KP&W cars typically make up a good part of the train.

The train slowly moves through West Mill Yard.

As the train moves forward, Empire Belt Railroad hoppers are observed at the crossing. 

The caboose move involves pulling the Penn Central unit off the tail end of the train and replacing it with the B&O caboose.

The caboose switch completed, this is now a B&O/KP&W train.  After pumping the air and completing all tests, the crew of the lead F7A awaits a Green Signal to proceed to Salamanca and eventually Rochester.  The PC U Boats on the next track are waiting for their opportunity to leave for Weehawken with cars for the A.P.R.R.

The Dispatcher gives the go-ahead and URN-3 continues on its way to the Genesee Coal Docks.

The ACI scanner records passing car information.

URN-3 leaves West Mill.

Next up:  The remaining coal hoppers led by the PC U Boats proceed to Weehawken as Extra #6554