P.C.C.M. 71 Part D

Hello everyone!

We've been running a two layout unit coal train operation between my Kings Port Division and John's New York Central Train Layout  

Empty hoppers were sent in a unit train from KP Steel to Hudson Coal for loading and return.   During that action trains were cited twice for blocking crossings at two different locations, and the blame was placed both times on errors made by Towerman Frank Rossollino, who no one seems to know!  In this final installment we'll see loaded hoppers heading back to KP Steel in Kings Port, and hopefully we'll get to the bottom of "who the %&*$!" that guy is!

The Unit Coal Train dispatched from Terminal Yard is designated Extra #2228 as the GP30 that trailed in the consist on Extra #3007 leaving KP Steel is now at the head end for the return trip.  

EMD speed represented by GP30 #2228 and GP40 #3007 combines with GE U Boat #6533's traction to haul the heavy coal hoppers to Kings Port.   Here the train is seen arriving at Kings Port.

Watch the Unit Coal Train slowly (I mean it really does take patience!) roll over Ulster Ave. and meet a Northbound train of empty gondolas. 

Yikes!  Looks like the GP38 in that gon train wobbled a bit over the crossing.  A track crew will be dispatched to see if any maintenance is required!  (Actually it turned out to be a low hanging coupler pin...Problem solved)

Extra 2228 stops at Kings Port and the crew cuts the caboose

The train pulls forward of the switch for the interchange track with the KP&W...

...and shoves the string of hoppers backwards

The cut of cars extends over Ulster Ave., but to avoid another "Rossollino Scenario" (Isn't that a spy novel?) it is broken into two sections on either side of the street...

...allowing local auto traffic to pass through.

Once the cut of hoppers has been placed for the KP&W, the EMD/GE lashup heads to Weehawken with its caboose. 

Over at the KP&W engine terminal for Williams Yard SD9 #896 gets the call to move the hoppers into nearby KP Steel's holding yard.

The six axle EMD unit rolls past the hoppers to get behind them for the shove. 

Now in place,  #896 notches up to "8" to get the hoppers moving.

A KP&W truck stops at Ulster Ave to help protect the shove.

Rolling past KP Tower.  Rossollino!  Are you in there?!

#896 clears Ulster Ave. fairly quickly to the relief of all concerned

The hoppers enter KP Steel's yard.

After the first section is set out, the second is uncoupled and then placed in the next track.

Almost done!  The guys in the tower are feeling the the rumble of the SD9 #896's V16 engine as it goes by.

The hoppers have now been delivered, loaded with Hudson Coal!  

SD9 #896 heads back to the engine terminal while railfans among the passengers on the platform above enjoy the action. 

OK!  So....Frank Rossollino.....   Both John and I enjoyed an article in the 1st Quarter 2020 issue of The Railroad Press written by Mike Bednar reminiscing about Allentown Yard.   He always relates great stories about his time as a Yardmaster and other roles as a professional railroader.  

Included in his expereinces at Allentown is a funny story about a coworker and friend named Ed Mink,  the Towerman at "R" Tower.  Apparently Ed had forgotten to flip a switch that would have automatically allowed a train to come into Allenown so it sat a red signal with its long train blocking two crossings in town.   When radio exchanges with the train crew revealed the error there was no room for the train so it sat blocking the crossings longer than legally allowed.  Just as in our model scenarios, the police arrived, boarded the locomotive, questioned the crew who played dumb, and demanded they radio "R" to find out who was working there.  Ed Mink made up the name "Frank Rossollino"  (Mike doesn't report how he came up with that particular name!) for the police citation.   The Allentown crew made room for the train as fast as possible and it eventually got underway.  Mike Bednar notes that the Division Rule Examiner burst into "R" later and demanded to know "Who the #%@ is this Rossollino...?"  Everyone knew, laughed and the Lehigh Valley paid the fine.    It was a good story like so many of Mike Bednar's.   John and I decided we had to integrate it into our virtual ops.   So there you have it!

Thanks for following along!   Now you have someone you can blame things on too!  :)