Today is the day all participants in P.C.C.M. 50 are simultaneously dispatching trains to Selkirk!
After all of the behind the scenes work of gathering cars at West Mill Yard, train WMV-1 is being assembled for dispatch to Selkirk. Yard Switcher #8951 has been working over time to get this train set up.
The first block of cars set out on the ready track are for interchange with the L.I.R.R. to locations such as Pilgrim State Hospital, Ronzoni....
...and Republic Steel.
The second block will be sent west to Colorado.
Block 1 couples to block 2
The third block is a large order of auto parts and steel coils for Ford Motor Co. carried by seven cars.
As the switcher crew finishes setting out the Ford cut an agitated radio call comes from the tower A clerical error led to the failure to include PC covered hopper 890658 in the block for Colorado! Some extra moves are required to correct the problem. (OK...I forgot to include the car!).
The remaining cars are for Empire City industries. Cars loaded with new bottles for Heileman Brewery...
...and packaging for Heilemans as well...
The last cut added to the train includes NYC #80755 for Reliable Machine and IC #30130 loaded with soda for Ralph's Grocery Warehouse....
...along with two empty TOFC's for Terminal Yard.
Their work finished, the switcher crew ties down #8951 while in the background....
...another crew has boarded a four unit consist of a GP38 and GP38-2s to power the Selkirk Run. Some PC fans believe the GP38/GP38-2 is The Iconic Locomotive of the Penn Central. Is it? Ask John R. about his research into that sometime!
The consist leaves the loco servicing track and couples onto the head end of the train. The fourth unit wears the rare Orange C mating worms logo.
WMV-1 is waiting for permission to proceed as all four units burble away next to WM tower.
Looking back toward the yard WMV-1 stretches the entire length of West Mill.
The train's caboose is near the tunnel at the South end of town. Maybe the conductor has enough time for an ice cream run before the head end gets the green!
Also waiting is Train WWM-3, Weehawken to West Mill which is anticipating its turn to set cars out in the yard. The short train is powered by a GP35 still in PRR livery and an F7B...a typical oddball PC consist.
WMV-1 gets the Green Indication and the engineer notches up the throttle to pull this long train out of West Mill.
That's it for now! We'll be resuming the virtual ops next week as those trains heading to Selkirk and sorted and cars are forwarded to their destinations.
Really great looking train to Selkirk! The livestock at The Denver Union Stockyards appreciate the extra switching moves for the feed loaded in the covered hopper. The GP38 lash up looks pure Penn Central. The Yardmaster at Perlman Yard will have has hands full with all of the traffic headed there.
ReplyDeleteThanks Brian! I'm happy to get the car load of "wort" out of the yard before it starts to smell. :)
DeleteEven with the paper work in front of me I make the occasional error. Cappy would not be happy with me!
Longest train I recall seeing on the KPD. Any slipping getting under way or on grades? (I'm assuming you gave her a lap or two around the layout...I know I couldn't resist that!). I'm glad you admitted forgetting that car. More times than I care to admit I found cars in industries or the yard that shouldn't be there. Even worse...on the wrong train! Now I don't feel so bad about that. Nice start to the series.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I guess I'm simulating some prototypical PC moves by accidentally omitting cars and perhaps having them sit unloaded at a siding whole the perishable contents rot away! I'd make a bad accountant!
DeleteTo: West Mill
ReplyDeleteFrom: Terminal Yard
Acknowledge dispatch of Train WMV-1 from West Mill to Selkirk.
Terminal Yard out...
Way to start P.C.C.M. 50 Ralph! Wow! That is some train!!! No wasteful dispatching there. WMV-1 will need every one of those horses the GP38's can provide. Nice work including those 'iconic' GP38s and the GP35-F7B lash ups! Well Done!
Thanks John,
DeleteI posted this w/o seeing your trains being dispatched in the series with similar locos highlighted! I guess the GP38s and Dash 2s ARE pretty standard choices on PC trains..and I see the Orange C showed up at both West Mill and Terminal Yard too! Very cool. We are underway!!!!
To: West Mill
ReplyDeleteTo: Terminal Yard
From: Rock Ridge
Acknowledgement dispatch of Train WMV-1 from West Mill to Selkirk
Rock Ridge Yard Out!
Excellent start to your PCCM 50! I do like the string of Geep engines you have working the trains. Seems I've grown very fond of this series of engines. The PC 'Orange C' noodle also stands out as a favorite! Way to go!
Thanks Neal! This long train needed some real Penn Central Power!
Delete