Progress Report 09.02.11

Last night a NCE UTP panel was install on the north end of Peoria.  I also moved the NCE booster.  I still need to clean up the wiring and zip tie everything at some point.  Tested the system to ensure all was still ok.

This morning, I installed one slide switch.  The first one is always the hardest.  I just need to get back into the groove so I can knock out the remaining 21 I need to do before the op session.

After that is complete, I should be ready for the massive clean-up operation.

I was happy to find a Rock Island #1 timetable (effective March 18th, 1979) which is the last one before the railroad shut down. 

Progress Report 08.31.11

Construction crews have been making progress.  Although crews haven't been exactly quick in their construction, management is happy to report as of early this morning, construction is completed in Peoria.

This evening a test train ran to find the track acceptable.  Shortly after the test train departed, the company photographer rolled into town to grab the following shots:

 

Engine servicing facility, Peoria, IL

 

Peoria, IL looking north.  Washington St will run parallel to the tracks on the left.
(Industries from top to bottom are: The Peoria Journal, Peoria Cordage Co., S. Lucas & Sons Steel)

 

Peoria: looking north (L to R: siding, main, shop lead, Caterpillar lead)

 

Peoria Station

 

Downtown Peoria, Station

After visiting numerous other blogs, I have been inspired to add some features including roster, operations, layout tour, and quick specs.  The various additions will be brought online over the next month or two.

RITS...a Wealth of Information

I must say I'm so pleased with my decision to join the Rock Island Technical Society (RITS).  I have enjoyed reading the human interest stories from crew members and people close to the Rock Island.  My latest source of information received has been greatly appreciated!  This past weekend, I received a link to The Rock Island System Freight Train Schedule and Blocking Instructions (1972).  It provides a complete list of scheduled freight trains and locals for the entire system.  Also, valuable blocking information was obtained.  After I have time to digest this information, I expect some changes on the ROCK.  Preliminary thoughts include assigning prototypical train numbers to my Extra Freight East/West and Pig trains.  I might consider some blocking changes. 

Below is a link to the 1972 guide.  I've nearly completed re-typing the information into a more friendly format in particular highlighting train information related to movements on my modeled portion of the ROCK. 
http://www.rits.org/www/histories/freight_schedule72/Instructions.html