Week 479

Sun, Oct 1, 2023 thru Sat, Oct 7, 2023

Sun, Oct 1, 2023

No train activity today.

Mon, Oct 2, 2023

Traveling back from Vail CO

Left Vail at 7:30am our time.

Arrived 60 Whittington Course 11pm

While we were traveling, there was an open house at 60 Whittington Crse.

No guests arrived

Our "regulars" were all present

Rob Fair, Jordan Osborn, Marcus Thorsen 

On the job times: 6-8pm 2 hrs.

Another deep discussion amongst our members

This is the evening report from host, Rob Fair:

No guests. Ran two trains. Had problems with decoupling on the freight. Removed 3 cars. The steam continually ran off the track (see picture below). Had a good visit with Marcus. Filled in some [RR] ties.

Excursion derailed at Melrose Park
19th Street road crossing.

The uncoupling occurred one time at a turnout [crossover #2] we re-inserted the spike you had there and it was ok. Continued occurrences at the top above the electric plant and at the curve just before the turn into the PRB.  Another derail location: the curve after exiting the yard.

Here are the cars removed from service for repairs...

Tue, Oct 3, 2023

And here's the paperwork

BEFORE & AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Wed, Oct 4, 2023

No train activity today.

Thu, Oct 5, 2023

I finished running the Excursion Train 4A shown 
here on UP PY Track 6. Also finished the final Drop
offs for Mixed Freight Train 5B.

Uncoupling the cars that will be dropped off at
the Industrial Park.

Pushing 4 cars back on the Industrial Park Transfer track.

Once cars are dropped off
I will reconnect the remaining
cars to the end of the train.

All set. Ready to head for final run to Proviso Yard
CNW EB tracks.

Heading west to Proviso Yard.

Entering Proviso Yard CNW EB.
In the distance you can see the 5 cars I dropped off
for the Industrial Park.

Entering Proviso Yard CNW Track 4.

Mixed Freight Train 5B fit in Track 4 and part of Track 5.

After detaching caboose from Train 5B it's time to
return to the Engine Facility for routine maintenance.

Back "Home" again.

This picture shows the split in Train 5B. The car
with the tab on Track 5 designates the rear of
Train 5B heading EB.

This car designates the front of Train 5B EB.

Fri, Oct 6, 2023

This project came out of no where...

I decided to start on the Bellwood station platform

First step:
Cut out and clear the path for the new platform
(which will be the white foam strip I found from TV packing)

The tools I will use for the project.

I need to add a layer of cork to bring the foam board
up to track height.

Cork roadbed glued in place.
What a difference the glue gun makes!
It allows me to go right to the next step and not
wait for the weights for the next day! Wow!!!

Foam board used for the station platform now in place.

Cutting out the base for the station.

More to come tomorrow...

Sat, Oct 7, 2023

More work on Bellwood Station Platform and begin work on "asphalt" parking lot.

Cutting out the base for the station.

Fits perfectly.

Another view.

Painting the station platform black.

Adding the station walkway.

Then the four walls.

Finally the roof.

I trimmed the traffic display board
to match the picture from vacation.
(see picture to the right)

Back to Bellwood station...
Trimming out the foam to make a parking lot.

More work on the foam.

Hopefully I'll finish up this part of the project tomorrow...