Progress Report 07.11.12

I managed to make some progress on the layout this evening.  I cranked up the 80's station on the internet radio and went to work.  I installed the subroadbed from east Bureau up to Peru.  I will be adding a bridge just east of the Bureau switches.  I have the subroadbed cut and in place for Peru/LaSalle, but haven't installed yet.  The subroadbed is also cut for the turn at the end of the layout heading up to Utica.  I feel like I'm engineering the Clinchfield Loops as I keep making adjustments to risers and giving everything the once over with the skunk eye.    We're well on our way to closing the gap between the upper and lower levels.  I'll be glad when the subroadbed is complete so I can start laying track again.  

 

MP3 Train Stories from Ex-Rock Island Crew Members

I found this on the web in our travels.  It is awesome listening to the stories first hand from ex-Rock Island crewmen.

http://www.hibblenradio.com/RIMP3Files.html


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The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago

Railfanning the Former Rock Island

I took some time away from the layout to visit family in the midwest.  While on vacation, we hit a few former Rock Island spots.  Below are some photos.  I wish I had time to visit more sites, but maybe on another trip.

Rock Island Blue Island Station

Rock Island Blue Island Station

Rock Island Blue Island Station (Tower)

Not Rock Island, but Union Station in Chicago

Former LaSalle Street Station in Chicago

Joliet Union Station

Interlocking at Joliet, IL

A Metra train that arrived and waiting to depart back to Chicago sitting at Joliet Union Station.

Progress Report 06.27.12

Sorry for the delay in posting, but I have been busy traveling.  Before I left, I did manage to get some progress done.  It took a while, but I cut the subroadbed for the junction at Bureau.  I didn't have time to install, but shaping the track and cutting it was an accomplishment in itself.  Subroadbed should be easier after this is installed.

Sound on the ROCK!

Before leaving town last month, the ROCK received a generous gift of a Broadway Limited EMD E6A with sound!  This locomotive will be assigned to the Quad Cities Rocket.  I'm looking forward to playing with this once I get past the major construction we have going on right now.