New Industries for the A.P.R.R.

Greetings followers of the Atlantic Pacific Railroad! 

As many of you know, I participate in a number of multi-railroad virtual operational sessions called the P.C.C.M., or more well known as the Penn Central Car Movement. There are 5 participating railroads that are part of the movements at one time or another. They are listed here in no special order:

John R and his New York Central Train Layout

Ralph V's Kings Port Division

Ed W's Very Large Hoschton Railway Co.

John B's Model Railroad

Brian's Ralston Creek Railroad

These 5 participate in the moves depending on availability and freight movement.

One of the nice things about the virtual operations is that we all have industries on our railroad where we can send the exact same or like cars 'virtually' from one layout to another. We have box cars, gondolas, hopper cars and more. There are a couple of name industries on some layouts. John R. and I have a Cargill facility and I think Ralph has one. We do get a lot of freight moves out of this one. Ed and I have the same Morton Salt plant. 

John R. has a nice flat called American Hardware Supply. This is an industry that's always in view or part of a freight car movement on the N.Y.C.T.L. Looking at the kits that I had laying around, it seems I had the same kit. Then I decided that I can add this to the layout and it will serve two purposes. One is to be part of the virtual operating sessions, and, to add moves for the yardmaster when I'm hosting an operating session when there aren't trains being worked on. What does this have to do with the yardmaster on my layout? This building is being added to the railroad as a flat against the backdrop in Rock Ridge Yard on the north end. The back drop is 11 feet long and very plain. The track where it is going to be located, while part of the arrival /departure tracks is seldom used. What better place to put it is on a track not used so often! 

In order to have it as an industry in Rock Ridge Yard, it needed to be larger than the standard kit, so I went and bought another one and made one large industry. Last, but not least was the legal issues. Sir 1:1 John and Sir 1:1 Neal have partnered on many things. He's asked that if possible, he would like (okay, he strongly suggested) a second warehouse for American Hardware located on the A.P.R.R. For those who know his background and former life, I'm in no position to argue with him and readily agreed. No legal papers to sign, some virtual handshakes, some exclusive agreements made (I want that PIZZA!), and I'm pleased to announce the GRAND OPENING of American Hardware Supply located in Rock Ridge Yard!

It came out very nice, and has the capacity to serve 2 50' box cars. In order to celebrate the grand opening, and since the owners were unavailable to be present, they sent over 2 freight cars as a show of partnership.

This building has the possibility to be moved, if need be. It's attached to the wall with velcro. 

The building works well. Now I need to add a couple of 'closed industries' as backdrop flats to fill up the rest of the divider. Those are in the process of being worked on as we type. 

I recently sent out an email announcement about the NMRA Northeastern Region convention that's coming to NJ this September. I was asked if I wanted to give a layout tour if my layout was chosen to be part of the tour, and I agreed. I was notified a few weeks ago I was officially added to the tour, and was featured in their latest email blast. Trackwork itself is 100% complete and operational. Industries that can be worked in a session is at 100% capacity. What is still needed is ballast work, which has been started, and backdrop flats, which is desperately needed. 

I've added one to the railroad back in February and was seen briefly in P.C.C.M. 44E. It's located on the south wall to the left of Irving Depot (named in honor of my father). This flat has no name is is over 2 feet long. I have 2 more planned for that wall; one is another closed warehouse and the other resembles a close power plant. Here's the first building...

That's all for now... Stay tuned for more updates!

A.P.R.R. RS-1 #200 Ready for service!

Greetings followers of the Atlantic Pacific Railroad!

The A.P.R.R. has been acquisition mode for more motive power as the customers are asking for more goods delivered in a timely manner (They never demand, they know better...!). 

The A.P.R.R. took delivery of an RS-1. This engine was not purchased, but donated to the A.P.R.R. It was outsourced to Ted's Engine Shop for repaint in Dedham, MA and arrived on location a few weeks ago. In order for it to be activated to full revenue service, it needed to be inspected.

Here's the full report from A.P.R.R. Senior Engineer for Life Ed detailing the specifics and his inspection report.

ATLANTIC PACIFIC RAILROAD

REPORT OF INITIAL LOCOMOTIVE INSPECTION

Locomotive Type:  RS-1 Builder: ALCO      Delivery Date: 03/5/2018

Road Number(s):  200               

Paint: Orange / Black ATLANTIC PACIFIC RAILROAD

Propulsion: Diesel Electric       

Horsepower: 1,600           Aspiration: Turbo Charge

Truck Type: B-B                        Build Date: 03/10/1960

Train Brake: Railway Air Brake          Dynamic Brake: No

Gear Ratio: 62:15            Maximum Speed: 65 mph

Total Length: 55’5 ½”                Weight: 247,500 lbs                  

Tractive Effort starting: 40,425

Multiple Unit Capability: Yes    Traction Motors: (4) GE731 DC Tractive

Notes:

A.P.R.R. received this ALCO RS-1 in transfer from CEO Jay M. owner of the Shohola Creek Railway 8/21/2017.  It was on or about that date that Jay M. announced his retirement after decades of railroad building and management.  As per directives from CEO Jay Shohola motive power was donated to various railroads in the northeastern region.

In addition to being CEO of the Shohola Creek Jay also held the position of Senior VP of the Lackawanna Terminal Railway where his expertise was instrumental in substantial improvements on that railroad.   Due to the poor wages and draconian working conditions at the Lackawanna Jay also took a job as VP of the A.P.R.R. where wages, benefits and working conditions were far far better.

Sir Neal contracted a repaint and letter of this locomotive in the A.P.R.R. color scheme.  In honor of Jay’s long service and friendship with his railroad friends this locomotive has been named Spirit of Jay and is prominently displayed on the locomotive.

The A.P.R.R. was pleased to be the recipient of this outstanding locomotive.

Initial inspection of this locomotive confirms all components are in place, fully operational and well maintained. 

Inspection Reporting:  Hoschton Motive Power Inspection Service LLC. Double E President.

A.P.R.R. RS-1 #200 is ready for revenue service!!

P.C.C.M. 45A: Rock Ridge to Selkirk via Weehawken and West Mill

Greetings followers of the Penn Central Car Movements! We're going to kick off P.C.C.M. 45 with a mixed freight that will originate in Rock Ridge Yard, head out to Weehawken and then on to West Mill, located on Ralph's incredible K.P.D. Railroad and on to the final destination at  Terminal Yard on John's amazing N.Y.C.T.L. 

The A.P.R.R. has been a busy railroad as of late. New engines, additional revenue cars and more. This mixed freight will be assembled in the yard by the crackerjack crew led by 1/87th PC Ralph, at the throttle of AP #100.

As AP #100 gets ready to leave engine track #2, the official A.P.R.R. photographer 1/87th Norman has spotted something odd. A short walk to the rear of the track reveals a new engine!

AP #200, an RS-1 has come back on the property. This engine will be used for local freight movements once it's been certified for revenue use. 1/87th Senior Engineer Ed for Life has this engine slotted for testing. For now, it's being worked on with some final details that only the A.P.R.R. can do!

AP #100 will start to build train RW-2, Rock Ridge to Weehawken. AP #60358 was pulled from Mike's Lumber and will head to Van Winkle Canning in West Mill with a load of pallets.

 Morton Salt covered hopper will be heading to Cavendish Foods. They'll be busy unloading this car!

 The car was cut and dropped off on the north side of the yard tracks so AP #100 can do a run around and block the car properly on train RW-2.

 The car is now blocked so it can be cut off at West Mill and the crew of the KP&W can work the cars in their yard...

Next up, 86' 8 Door box cars PRR #125291, AP #86027 and NYC #67086 are blocked and will head to the Ford Car Plant in Empire City. These freight cars are loaded with parts from Ideal Auto Parts & Electronics.

The 3 86' 8 door box cars are added to the train build. 

The switcher will pick up a set of 4 Penn Central PS-2 covered hoppers on yard track 3. These were over at the Richmond Hill Engine Terminal and brought over on an earlier engine move. 

The four covered hoppers are headed over to T&R Gravel on the N.Y.C.T.L. to be loaded with sand for the A.P.R.R. and Richmond Hill Engine Terminal. With the additional motive power acquisitions, much sand is needed!

Juice? Who has juice? A&P in Garden City, LI has put a call out to Tropicana for more juice for their chain of stores, USLX/Tropicana #13068 is headed to them.

Wait, there's more! AP box cars the 60382 &60394 were loaded up at Marcal, and brought over to the yard. These two cars will head over to Ralph's Grocery with a car load of napkins, tissues and toilet paper. With all of the snow they had on Long Island this winter, the demand for toilet paper of all things, was at an all-time high! I wonder why.....

Last freight car to be added to the train is the Hostess Covered Hopper, Loaded at Cargill, it will head to the Hostess Bakery in Empire City.

With the train finally assembled, AP #100 is set off on yard track #4. 1/87th PC Ralph, along with 1/87th ATJOE will take train RW-2 over to Weehawken, where the train will be handed off to another Penn Central crew. That crew will take train WV-2 up the River Line to West Mill and eventually over to Terminal Yard on the N.Y.C.T.L.

PC GP38-2 #7893 will head out the south end of Rock Ridge Yard and on to Weehawken...

Train RW-2 on the move!!

Train RW-2 heads out of Rock Ridge and on to Weehawken, seen here passing thru Little Jamaica.  

  

As train RW-2 comes into Weehawken, the crew is met by 1/87th Senior Engineer Ed for Life and 1/87th Sir Larry of Flemington. The guys are there to personally pick up the crew who pulled double duty today in Rock Ridge. A job well done!

A crew change is made and now train WV-2, Weehawken to Selkirk is on its way! 

It's a wrap for P.C.C.M 45A on the A.P.R.R. Next up, the action continues on the Ralston Creek Railroad  and on to the K.P.D. to follow WV-2!

Final Inspection Reports on A.P.R.R. Engines #305 & #306

Greetings followers of the A.P.R.R. / Atlantic Pacific Railroad!

The management team wasted no time in getting the inspection reports completed on A.P.R.R. engines #305 & #306.

1/87th Senior Engineer Ed for Life has detailed the following final report:

DATE: March 10, 2018

SUBJECT: Ready for Revenue Service Report EMO GP38-2 #305, #306

ATTN: A.P.R.R. Superintendent of Operations

FROM: Senior Engineer for Life EE

Sir Neal,

Be advised that full inspections of EMO locomotives GP38-2 #305 and #306 have been duly conducted as per applicable A.P.R.R. regulations on March 10, 2018.

Both locomotives have been inspected and tested in all 24 categories of inspect ion areas as outlined in the A.P.R.R. Ready for Revenue Service Report including but limited to power plant, drive, electrical,  hydraulic, communications and all mechanical systems. Effective this date both locomotives are hereby certified as Ready for Service.

A copy of each inspection report is attached and had been electronically forwarded to the appropriate A.P.R.R departments.

Note the following exception:

Each locomotive is required to adhere to EMD's Initial Revenue Service break-in period mandating the change out of specified break-in fluids as well as testing and adjustment of specific locomotive systems and/or components as outlined in EMD's guidelines.

Engineer for Life and A.P.R.R. Chief Inspection Superintendent, 

(Signed electronically)

These engines are now ready for revenue service. Look for them in action on upcoming blog posts!

Inspection Reports on A.P.R.R. Engines #305 & #306

Greetings followers of the A.P.R.R. / Atlantic Pacific Railroad!

The initial response to the new arrivals was indeed overwhelming as you saw the crowd standing around Baskerville Jct. Station.

However, inspections need to be made before they are pressed into service. 1/87 Senior Manager Sir John R. made his initial report on both engines. Below are the details and his report can be seen here as well Initial A.P.R.R. Locomotive Inspections

ATLANTIC PACIFIC RAILROAD

REPORT OF INITIAL LOCOMOTIVE INSPECTION

Locomotive Type:  GP38-2       Builder: EMD            Delivery Date: 03/09/1972

Road Number(s):  305                              Paint: Orange / Black ATLANTIC PACIFIC RAILROAD

Propulsion: Diesel Electric       Engine: 645E

Horsepower: 2,000                  Aspiration: Roots Blower

Truck Type: B-B                                        Build Date: 02/01/1972

Train Brake: Railway Air Brake Dynamic Brake: No

Gear Ratio: 62:15                     Maximum Speed: 65 mph

Total Length: 59’02’’                                Weight: 250,000 lbs               

Tractive Effort starting: 61,000 Tractive Effort continuous: 54,700 @11 mph

Multiple Unit Capability: Yes    Traction Motors: GM-77

Notes:

A.P.R.R. EMD GP38-2 #305 received this date after transfer from EMD via Penn Central RR.

All components and appliances present at time of receipt.

Tested this date on revenue train RO-1 while m.u.ed with A.P.R.R. GP38-2 #306.

Initial inspection is satisfactory.

Reporting Officer: Senior Manager: John R (1/87^th scale)

_____________________________________________________________________________________     

ATLANTIC PACIFIC RAILROAD

REPORT OF INITIAL LOCOMOTIVE INSPECTION

Locomotive Type:  GP38-2       Builder: EMD            Delivery Date: 03/09/1972

Road Number(s):  306                              Paint: Orange / Black ATLANTIC PACIFIC RAILROAD

Propulsion: Diesel Electric       Engine: 645E

Horsepower: 2,000                  Aspiration: Roots Blower

Truck Type: B-B                                        Build Date: 02/01/1972

Train Brake: Railway Air Brake Dynamic Brake: No

Gear Ratio: 62:15                     Maximum Speed: 65 mph

Total Length: 59’02’’                                Weight: 250,000 lbs               

Tractive Effort starting: 61,000 Tractive Effort continuous: 54,700 @11 mph

Multiple Unit Capability: Yes    Traction Motors: GM-77

Notes:

A.P.R.R. EMD GP38-2 #306 received this date after transfer from EMD via Penn Central RR.

All components and appliances present at time of receipt.

Tested this date on revenue train RO-1 while m.u.ed with A.P.R.R. GP38-2 #305.

Initial inspection is satisfactory.

Reporting Officer: Senior Manager: John R (1/87^th scale)

There's one more report due in over the next few days from 1/87th Senior Engineer Ed before they can be pressed into revenue service. Check back next week for the final report and send off of the engines to revenue service!

New Engine Arrivals on the A.P.R.R.

Greetings followers of the A.P.R.R. and Neal's Train Layout!

As you know, the A.P.R.R. and Sir 1:1 Neal have been looking to acquire more motive power to keep up with the increased rail traffic around Rock Ridge and the industries the railroad serves. While many railroads decide to lease locomotives and pay high loan and mileage fees, the A.P.R.R. has no such desire to fill the coffers of any other entity other than their own. Their negotiating skills are above the competition, and they always make them an offer they can't refuse!

The latest acquisition are a pair of GP38-2 diesel locomotives. The A.P.R.R. has a number of these in the fleet, and believes when they find something that performs well, to stick with it until something comes along that's better.

These locomotives were mothballed for about 5 years from another Eastern railroad that chooses to remain anonymous, to avoid embarrassment. We shall respect their wishes.

Once in possession, they were sent north to get painted in A.P.R.R. colors. It's the same paint shop that has painted the engines in 2017 as they do work for another Class 1 railroad.

Now on A.P.R.R. property are GP38-2 engines #305 and #306. Paint shop Supervisor Ted A. of Dedham, MA did a superb job on these two engines.

Sir 1/87th Neal gathered the locals to see the new engines at the Baskerville Jct. Train station for a look to see what all of the excitement is all about.

As of this writing, there are a few more engines that are due back on the property in the coming months as well as a number of cabooses (cabeese?) to supplement the engine fleet. When they arrive, 1/87th Sir Larry of Flemington will be brought in for final inspection and to make sure they are fully equipped for the crew. The engines will be inspected by 1/87 Senior Manager John R. for approval and then handed off to 1/87th Senior Engineer Ed for his thorough report. More to follow....

The Seven Engine Itch- APRR Style...!

Greetings followers of the A.P.R.R. and Neal's Train Layout!

Fellow modeler and great friend of the A.P.R.R. John R. came up with a neat idea while running trains on his superb N.Y.C.T.L. New York Central Train Layout that a lash up of 7 Penn Central engines would be the order of the day. 

John has asked his fellow Penn Central Modelers to replicate the same scenario on their layouts, if at all possible. 

We put together a string of Penn Central Geeps, consisting of GP38-2's, GP40's, and a newly acquired GP35.

While John has posted some great pics and a video, the N.Y.C.T.L. operates on DC power, whereas the A.P.R.R. operates on DCC. I did run the engines to the area you see on the layout, but not all running at the same time. The engines in the 2 & 3 spot were running as well as engine 6 & 7. Those engines were running in DCC mode as consist, and I used 2 sets of controllers to get them moving at the same time. They ran a short distance as the strain to move the 3 other engines not on my control. I could have run all 7 engines together, but that would have taken some time and doing on my part. I would have had to deconsist the 3 sets of Geeps and the consisted all 7 engines together to have them run. Yes, I took the easy way out, as time was not on my side.

The Penn Central would have been proud to see 7 engines running in a consist like this.

Here is a quick pan of the 7 engines idling on the main line of the A.P.R.R.

I have fulfilled the request made by John R. and was happy to be part of this great idea...

Enjoy!