Saturday, January 22, 2011

Progress Report 01.21.11 Part II

Track crews arrived on the scene this evening laying track on the wye at Bureau, along with the siding and south switch for the storage siding on the N&W Meredosia branch. 

Also, worked on the building for the vegetable oil loading track at the ADM Milling plant.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Progress Report 01.21.11

Progress continues with an early morning work session before work.  Crews were out before the break of dawn installing the benchwork for the wye at Bureau.  Subroadbed cork was also installed.  Crews only have the two sections of benchwork that will be in front of the window to complete.

Trackwork will resume this evening.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Progress Report 01.19.11

Managed to invest another 30m or so this morning before work.  Installed the roadbed for the main and storage track on the N&W Meredosia Branch down to the window.  Tested the trackwork at the ADM elevator and Milling loading tracks.

This evening, laid the track on the N&W branchline for the main and storage track from Hucks Machine Shop to the south storage track switch (waiting for its arrival).  I also laid the track for the Illinois Valley Grain Co.

Tonight, I also re-staged the layout tonight with the new cars/industries incorporated.  It will be very interesting to see how it all works out.  Here's a summary of the volume I expect on the locals:

Blue Island Local - Pickup 5 cars, set off 11
Grain Local - Pickup 10 cars, set off 11
Peoria Local - Pickup 10 cars, set off 10
Stockdale Local - Pickup 11 cars, set off 17

Also, we will run 4 through freights, 6 passenger trains and one loaded coal train during the session.  I just love N scale!!  :-)

Progress Report 01.18.11

This morning before work, I inspected the track re-alignment at the Stockdale station.  All passed clearance tests.  Installed the roadbed for the Archer Daniels Midland / ADM Milling plant.  Cut and shaped the track for the facility too.

This evening, I completed the track work at the ADM elevator.  The ADM Milling warehouse trackwork is yet to be complete.  Crews moved over to the N&W Meredosia Branch to begin work.  The initial short piece of track to the right of the former station was removed.  The Billy J Hucks Machine shop spur was installed. 

Monday, January 17, 2011

Progress Report 01.17.11

Clerk Report:
I'm very happy to report that our Clerical Department completed printing the revised/new waybills.  They also report that integration with the existing paperwork is complete.  Whew!  What a daunting task!

Engineering Report:
The Archer Daniels Midland Elevator / ADM Milling plant is complete.  I'm liking kitbashing.  I'm really pleased with my modification of the Walthers kit.  I hope to post photos tomorrow after completing the industrial track work in the area.

The track realignment is complete in front of the new Stockdale station.  Before when cars passed the station, a few shingles on the roof would end up missing.   CRI&P management does caution patrons to be extra careful at the station.  It is reported that one passenger was taking a smoke out on the platform and a passing train knocked the cigarette right out of his mouth. 

CRI&P crews have been talking about the impending L&HR CEO's visit this coming Saturday.  Crews are working feverishly to make a good presentation.