Progress Report 02.07.12 / Operational Changes

Last night, with some hesitance, I ripped out the farm field at Franklin Farms.  Franklin Farms is named for my adopted grandparents on my wife's side of the family.  This is where the layout began construction as the first subroadbed was installed.  This is also where I'm starting my first scenery.  I had originally added cardboard strips and plaster cloth last year, but wasn't pleased with the results.  After attending a Railroad Model University class back in January, I decided to try my hand at using extruded styrofoam for scenery.  I have been pleased with the results so far.

While enjoying the scene that I originally created at Franklin Farms, it wasn't exactly what I had truly envisioned.  So, last night, I ripped it all out.  I cut a new piece of styrofoam and began drawing out the plan.  This morning I tore into the styrofoam with my Shur Form Shaver.  I sculpted the land to match my vision.  This evening, I glued the various pieces of styrofoam together and applied the dry wall compound.

Other news
I continue to research on a regular basis operations on the Rock Island.  I have found and acquired a couple of back issues of Trains Magazines that had a particular focus on the Rock Island.  They have been enjoyable to read.

Armed with the new information, there will be a few small changes to operations.

1) The "Government Bridge" at the Mississippi River was controlled by the bridgetender.  It would open for barge traffic with little notice.  There would be a 15-minute delay while the barges passed.  Train crews will be required to call the West Davenport Tower to receive clearance across the bridge.

2) Desk 3: Illinois Division dispatcher out of Des Moines, Iowa controls all trackage on the layout with the following exceptions (modeling license exercised somewhat):

• Bureau Operator - Controls Bureau main/siding and Bureau Wye
• JD Tower at Joliet - Controls main/siding from Joliet to the yard limits at Burr Oak Yard 
• West Davenport Tower - Controls Mississippi River Crossing, Davenport & West Davenport Yard main and sidings.

Thanks to newfound friend Harold from the RITS list for providing additional information.