The latest installment of this virtual ops series has us at West Mill Yard observing a gathering of ALCOs on the loco service tracks. KP&W RS3 #566 and PC RSD-12 #6869 (coupled to a sister unit not shown in the photo) are idling in anticipation of their assignments.
The KP&W unit will be leading a short train up the Mountain Branch to Bloomberg to drop off cars at local industries. The PC sisters will head the Kings Port "Turn". Crews are seen boarding their locos.
RS3 #566 leaves the service tracks to pick up a caboose.
After obtaining their "office-on-wheels", the units head into the yard tracks to grab the cars headed up the Mountain Branch.
The first car is Rock Island boxcar #35062. Remember him? This car was set out on another track when the Mayfield run was assembled. Its loaded with bulk hardware for Quality Fabrications.
After coupling to the RI car, the short train continues backing into the yard to pick up some more cars that are not in the virtual ops.
The Mountain Branch Run is fully assembled.
#566 pulls the cars out of the yard so it can do a runaround move to get to the head end.
The ALCO, now in position, awaits permission to proceed.
Leaving West Mill....
....and taking the Mountain Branch on the right. The Mayfield Branch heads to the left in the tunnel.
About an hour later the cars are set out at their respective consignees... The RI boxcar is now at Quality Fabrications...
Two covered hoppers are placed at Bloomberg's AGWAY...
...and a KP&W boxcar is set out at Van Winkle Canning.
The KP&W train clear of West Mill, its time for the PC sister unit RSD-12s to leave the loco servicing tracks.
...and back into the West Mill Yard tracks to pick up their train, the Kings Port Turn. The PC boxcar is a buffer for the depressed well flat to protect the engine crew from what could be a potentially dangerous shifting load.
Coupled to the train, the ALCOs pull the cars out of the yard.
Backing up to pick up a PC transfer caboose for the run. This is a short distance train so a fully equipped caboose is not necessary.
The turn is dispatched from West Mill...
Next up: The Turn goes to work!
To: West Mill
ReplyDeleteTo Terminal Yard
From: Rock Ridge Yard
Acknowledgement KP&W Run on the Mountain Branch/ Kings Port Turn Dispatched
Rock Ridge Yard Out!
Very nice move for the Mountain Branch. Those RS units can do both short and long runs. I like the transfer caboose that was protecting the rear of the train.
To: West Mill / Rock Ridge
ReplyDeleteFrom: Terminal Yard
Acknowledge dispatch of Mountain Branch Run and delivery of RI 35062 to Quality Fabrications by the K.P.& W.
Acknowledge dispatch of Kings Port Turn.
Terminal Yard out...
Another great job Ralph. Very enjoyable seeing the K.P.& W. and PC interchange and interact at West Mill. The Alco power was a nice treat! The Mountain Branch industries look great and add a lot to the overall story line. Looking forward to seeing the kings Port Turn in action!
Nice job! It was fun seeing the KP&W and PC motive power at work with each other. Thanks
ReplyDeleteReally nice segment Ralph. I like your new virtual industries to supplement the layout and PCCM. Great looking ALCO locomotives as well.
ReplyDelete