Monday, January 5, 2015

The ROCK 3.0: Motive Power Update

This afternoon after work, I decided to wander over to South Ottawa to see what was shaking on the ROCK.  What do my eyes see through the trees?


I spy a U30C on the property!  They haven't had one of these around for quite some time.  Word on the street was the last one was a horrible runner and management sold it.


This unit looks like it has some mileage on it, but it sounds pretty darn good throttling up through town!  I need to get a better look at this unit.





Looking good!!  I should be able to get a couple different views of this loco as it works a cut of sand hoppers at Ottawa Silica.



I drove over to the Ottawa Silica yard office.  They have some nice guys working there.  They let me walk out in the yard to snap some more photos of the U30C.  The Sand Job crew stated this loco may look rough, but runs like a Cadillac!  Management must be very pleased with their acquisition.





Look at all that RI power floating around!

On my way out of town, I stopped in at the yard to chat with some of the crews.  To my surprise, I found management on the property.  No worries though.  I know the CEO.  He showed me some aerial photos of some farming development that is planned on the other side of Ottawa Yard.  From what I understand, the Franklin Farm is expanding their crops right up to the RI right-of-way.




I drove west over to Utica.  I noticed there was some new trucks over at Philadelphia Quartz.  I hear they will be painted soon.


As I headed out of town to finally go home, I stopped one last time to snap some photos of some rolling stock that caught my eye.  I'm a sucker for a nicely weathered freight car.







One of my favorites that I see on the RI often.  Two reasons:
One it makes me think of my father-in-law that grew up along the GM&O in Pike County, IL.
Second, my friend Allen weathered this up for me.  
It is a special car for sure.


A Note from Management:
Today, I was pondering trees on the layout.  Man, I need a lot! (and I have a small layout).  Wait a minute!  I have an idea!  Do I smell smoke?  Tonight, I asked my daughters.  "Who would like to help daddy make some trees on Saturday?"  "Me! Me!"  Oh heck yeah!  Now, I can triple my output!  Weeeeell?  Yeah, I may need to figure on a higher error rate, but overall, I should be more productive.




6 comments:

  1. I think I need to get my daughters building trees too. Great way to get the kids involved!

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    1. I was surprised how excited the girls were. It should be a lot of fun.

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  2. Yes sir ! ... Like those rustbuckets ... well done.

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    1. Thank you sir! I didn't weather them though. Either a friend did or I purchased on eBay.

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    2. I like the Rock Island car with the blue replacement door. That GMO car will need to interchange at the Illinois Central at LaSalle.

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    3. That is one of my favorites as well!

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