P.C.C.M. 50F: Tracks To & From Rock Ridge Are Open!

Greetings followers of the Atlantic Pacific Railroad and Penn Central Car Movements! 

The launch of P.C.C.M. 50 from this railroad was delayed due to a major derailment between Weehawken and Rock Ridge. While the A.P.R.R. can handle small track issues, this was major and they needed to reach out for help. 

Sir 1:1 Neal always knew he had a friend in the railroad business whom he could call for assistance. Without thinking twice, he reached out to Sir 1:1 John of the N.Y.C.T.L. for help with this disaster. Time is money in this business. A meeting was held at a local choke and puke a.k.a. diner near Rock Ridge. This place was chosen as there's new owners taking over. They seem to be quite hospitable to the guys and 1/87th Sir Neal figured he could introduce himself to the new owners, tell them about the railroad service they provide as it would be in their best interest to have his rail customers deliver to this place. Besides, the meeting is a tax deduction, so, why not? If the food is good, the investment and bold statements were worth it. 

The A.P.R.R  and N.Y.C.T.L. management gathered for a meet to discuss what could be done to help out. 

The financial arrangements were made, along with some special goodies that the A.P..R.R. holds for special occasions or favors, and the work order was put in place. 

The N.Y.C.T.L. dispatched a work train to help clear the area, not a moment to soon! Perishables from C&P Restaurant Supply were needed at some of Empire City eateries and grocers!!

Train TYWC-1 made its way to the disrupted area, and within 48 hours, both A.P.R.R & the stellar N.Y.C.T.L. MOW crews had the tracks repaired and and ready for revenue service. We thank Sir 1:1 John for his help and enjoy the goodies sent back with your crew!

Now we turn our direction to Rock Ridge Yard and the A.P.R.R. Since the yardmaster sitting high above the tracks heard about the progress, he turned his focus to getting crews sent out to grab the freight, build the train, and have it ready to depart on a moments notice.

First train sent out to pull cars was Train RI-3, the Ideal Auto Parts turn. This train, due to the massive amount of cars and weight, pick up to and from this industry. No other pickups are made. The cars are taken back to Rock Ridge Yard for the train to head to Selkirk and beyond. These cars will go to the Ford Plant on the N.Y.C.T.L. U28B AP#2360, is assigned to bring these cars to Rock Ridge Yard.

Next up is train RP-1 the Power Plant shuttle. GE44 Tonner #900 pulled the empties to the yard and head to Hudson Coal

C&P Restaurant Supply had more than 8 cars heading to the yard. 6 of those bright green reefers are destined to Terminal Warehouse & Cold Storage on the N.Y.C.T.L. and the NP reefers out west to California Pears. Train RC-2 with AP switcher #100 out on the road, they picked up all the cars at C&P Restaurant Supply,  plus some cars at Freihofers Bakeries, which will head to Bohack Supermarkets in Brooklyn. The EB and LIRR will handle the delivery to Bohack once they arrive at Terminal yard. All of these cars head right to Rock Ridge Yard, then get added to the train being built. 

In the foreground you see a pair of PC Geeps #8045 and 7983 at the ready, as they will will be the engines to head up to Selkirk from Rock Ridge. 

Meanwhile, AP RS-1 #200 headed over to Cargill and picked up some covered hoppers, included that highly decorated Hostess Covered Hopper, which will head to the Hostess facility in Bedford, NY. As he headed to the yard to drop off the covered hoppers, a couple of PC PS-2 hoppers were brought up from the engine terminal. These will be sent to T&R Gravel on the N.Y.C.T.L.

Now that all of the freight cars have been brought over to the yard, head dispatcher1/87th Sir Larry has summoned 1/87th PC Ralph, along with 1/87th ATJOE, to take this train up to Selkirk. Since it's way behind schedule, the reporting marks will be PC Extra 8045 to Selkirk via Weehawken; non-stop! 

As he approaches CP East and the tower outside of the south end of Rock Ridge, the crew is given orders to depart once the signals are set by AP Tower Operator 1/87th John B. 

PC Extra 8045 is at the ready and awaits the signal from the tower. 

He's given the approach signal as he departs the Rock Ridge yard limits, and is now under the control of the tower operators on the way to Weehawken and up to Selkirk...

We're on the way to Selkirk...FINALLY!

Thanks to everyone for your patience and understanding. A special shout out again goes to Sir John of the N.Y.C.T.L. for his assistance in making the delay enjoyable.