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

Progress Report 08.24.11

Crews are still a little sluggish from their summer furlough, so progress is extremely slow.  Construction crews managed to get the roadbed and three turnouts installed today. 

Progress Report 08.23.11

Construction crews returned from their summer furlough.  Not much progress was made, but it was something.  The tracks extending from the south wye of Bureau behind the TV into Peoria were glued down this morning. 

I have been reviewing a lot of ROCK photos on the web over the past few days.  What a time the 70s were!  I would love to jump in the ol' Delorean to spend some time back in the 70s experiencing it all firsthand. 

Progress Report 08.19.11

Wednesday night, I worked on laying out the cork and track for Peoria.  There is some debate between the two foremans on the alignment of the industrial track along SW Washington St.  Hopefully that will be resolved soon.

Thursday involved a lot more staring at the future Peoria.  I believe the foremans have come to an agreement on the industrial track alignment.  As with other industrial park areas on the ROCK, this one too will include a switchback.  It was the only way to make it work.  I'm sure crews will be overjoyed! 

Next step will be to mark and start gluing down the roadbed.  Construction should commence in the next few days pending crew availability. 

CRI&P clerical personnel worked to prepare the paperwork for the upcoming op session.  We will be operating as September 16th, 1978.  The crops are in and there is corn to move on the ROCK.  There have been some changes made to the passenger schedule.  Train #13 the Peoria Rocket Second Section will depart Chicago at 10am vs. it's former time of 8:30am.  Previous labor disputes have been resolved with numerous changes including the addition of a fifth crew member, pre-blocking of locals and operational changes at Davenport.  CRI&P Management projects smoother operations providing longer rest periods for crews between trains.  The ROCK is dedicated to providing safe operating conditions for its employees while continuing to grow its business. 

Progress Report 08.15.11

Crews dusted off their tools and started assembling on ROCK grounds today.  The sub benchwork has been cut and moved into place for the RI Peoria Branch.  Surveyors are on-site.  Welding (soldering) tools have been charged up ready for work. 

Management has set some high goals to be completed before the op session September 17th. 

Management is excited about the wealth of information received from the Rock Island Technical Society.  I'm looking forward to learning more about this great railroad.