Progress Report 02.27.12

Sorry, I have been offline for a few days.  I have been sidetracked with car issues and such.

A little bit of progress has been made.  I have completed staging the layout for the next op session including all paperwork, new OS sheets at each station, etc.

This morning, engineering returned to duty after their OSHA violation a week ago.  The landscape around the Mississippi River has been cut, shaped and glued.  This evening, I applied the joint compound to both banks of the river and around the bridge abutments.

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Progress Report 02.21.12

With Management tied up with the OSHA review over in Davenport, the track gang was able to make good progress today.   All twelve of the slide switches were installed between this morning and after work.  Another item completed on the To Do list.

Engineering is expected to return to work on Friday after their safety training is completed and all crew members are certified.


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Welcome to the ROCK: 0 Days without an Accident

The ROCK's Engineering Department has been pulled off duty to process the stacks of OSHA paperwork due to the incident with a crew member yesterday.  Engineering is required to complete three days of safety training to avoid any issues in the future.  It is reported that the employee's wounds are healing ok.  The CEO hung the revised sign in the shop today.

In the meantime, the Track Gang commenced work preparing for slide switch installation.  They drilled 12 holes for slide switches, 2 holes for tortoise switch machines (for the Joliet crossover) and the throwbar holes in the all the slide switches.  Crews are expected to begin installation tomorrow.

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Progress Report 02.19.12

Last night, I ripped out the cardboard strip/plaster cloth scenery at East Rock Island and around the Mississippi River valley.  Worked on cutting and shaping the styrofoam in this area.  Last night, I managed to rip the Shur-Form tool across my finger nail.  It shapes those too.  No major issue though.

This morning, I applied plaster to the new landscape in East Rock Island.  I filled in most of the gaps between the existing scenery and the new fascia board on the lower peninsula.  I also filled in a low spot of the road in front on the Franklin Farms' house.

This evening, I continued working on shaping the Mississippi River valley including building up the landscape for the bridge abutments on the east shore of the river.  During the process, I managed to run the box cutter across the palm of my hand.  Much more blood with this incident.  Initially, it appeared that the ROCK would be paying out an OSHA claim as I might require stitches.  I was able to get the bleeding under control and nurse the wound.  All seems fine now.

My wife stated, "So, I'm guessing you are done in the railroad room tonight."  I agreed.  About an hour later, I found myself itching to do something.  So, I went back upstairs and determined I could paint the fascia with one hand.  So, I commenced and completed the task.  Another item off my To Do list.  ROCK management applauds the efforts and dedication of their crews.

First Fascia Board Installed!

After a long day of running errands, this afternoon I got the urge to attempt the fascia install on the lower peninsula.  This process was incredible easy.  After only one piece was installed, I was blown away by the difference it makes.  It really dresses up the layout!  Worked on it off an on, between helping the girls with their Zhu Zhu pets, managing the girls working their chores and working on the layout.  The process took about two hours with all that going on, but I completed the the fascia for all the lower level peninsula.  This was a major project on my pre-March 31st op session To Do list.  This was a great achievement today.  I'm so incredibly pleased by the appearance of the layout now.  What great motivation to continue on!

Here is a sample of the revised timetable schedule which now includes freight trains for TT&TO operations.  This coming session, will be the debut of these type of operations.  I also highlighted the arrival times at stations to assist crews in identifying opposing trains.  I did just notice something on this as Train 1,2 & 57 need to be classified as First Class.  I will have to have a word with our clerical department.  You just can't find good help now a days.  Wait....that's me.  Nevermind!  I will update the timetable.

Also, I mentioned a week or two ago, I cut the benchwork between the mainline and Joliet Grain spur.  I added some drywall putty between the gap.  No more rolling cars down the spur.

Progress Report 02.16.12

Although short for time, I made some progress on the layout today.  Added metal wheels to the auto parts box cars.

Worked on cleaning up waybill paperwork for industries removed or names changed.  Added new waybill paperwork printed the other day.

Completed cutting and gluing the styrofoam for the bluff near McGee Creek that overflows onto the RI Clinton, IA branchline.

ROCK News Wire

-----------ROCK News Wire ------------

Stockdale town leaders have passed a motion to change the name of the town to Ottawa, Illinois effective immediately.

It was announced earlier today that Ottawa Silica Company has purchased the Central Stone Company plant in Ottawa, IL.  Ottawa Silica's plant is the largest in North America, mining fine grain sandstone from St. Peter Sandstone deposits.  Ground and unground silica products from the Ottawa facility have a wide variety of applications including glass production, foundry and refractory sand, abrasives, polishes, paint and other fillers, filtration sand and cement.  Silica sand is shipped in 2-Bay covered hoppers, difco dump cars and coal hoppers.

ADM Milling's lease has expired with the ROCK.  Currently the facility is vacant awaiting new tenants.  It is rumored that Libbey-Owens-Ford Company is considering constructing a plant in this region.

Archer Daniels Midland's lease has also expired.  Garvey Grain is reported to be purchasing the property.  They will receive grain in from Iowa to offload to barges on the Illinois River.

Illinois Valley Grain Company's lease has also expired.  Libbey-Owens-Ford has been rumored interested in purchasing the land.

All industries in Ottawa will now be served by train #217 Ottawa Turn.  #113 Joliet local will only work industries in Joliet.


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