Conrail up in Coal Country

[Tristan Ashcroft]

Thanks! I think it'll work just fine. And if not, it'll only be a problem for a little while until I move onto the next project.

Well, at least the leads are straight.  A yard lead on a curve is what I’ll never try again.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Did some recon this weekend up in Coal Country.

If this ramp looks familiar it's because it was in the Rich Frey Good Spring photos: http://conrailphotos.thecrhs.org/Images/CR-9627-drops-downgrade-after-spotting-some-empties-at-Good-Spring-PA-on-May-12-1988


That truck dump is now out of use and isn't ACTUALLY making it onto the layout, but it WAS really cool to see.

This truck dump IS going to make it though. It's a multi-purpose facility that loads both regular hoppers and covered hoppers with powdered coal.


Remember this scene. It's going to be at the west end of Cressona Yard because, well, it's at the west end of Cressona Yard is exactly what I was envisioning for the space.



Speaking of Cressona Yard. Here's an R&N Fightin Fifty that still needs to go through the engine house to be prepped for service sitting on a storage track in the yard.



We ended the day at Blaschak Coal which is ALSO going to feature on the layout as well. I got some good detail shots of the truck dump here but this one just looks cool.

[C855B]

1:1 recon is so satisfying, isn't it? You're lucky to live close enough to your subject, mine requires two-week expeditions into the Western hinterlands. We're already planning for our second trip, probably in May like the last one was.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

1:1 recon is so satisfying, isn't it? You're lucky to live close enough to your subject, mine requires two-week expeditions into the Western hinterlands. We're already planning for our second trip, probably in May like the last one was.

It's really true.

And not only was it the right location, it was the right time of year too.

Needless to say I took a TON of photos.

I also really lucked out by having a number of friends who wanted to go along too, including my friend Ryan who works for the R&N and got us cleared to be on the property. Ryan is ALSO a walking encyclopedia of the area including it's more colorful side.

I'm very fortunate.

[Dave V]

And doing the research IN the dead season...all the better!

Did you take backdrop photos while you were up there?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

May the universe shine good fortune on Rich Frey: This was just posted.

[mu26aeh]

Man they had to beat the piss out of those poor 15s

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Man they had to beat the piss out of those poor 15s

I love that one scene with like 5 of em working their guts out. Gotta love those Mega Pups.

[Point353]

Which RBM&N Santa train will Ed K be riding?
The one from Minersville, Pottsville or Schuylkill Haven?
https://www.rbmnrr.com/happenings/2019/10/18/reading-amp-northern-announces-new-santa-train-schedule
https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/minersville-station
https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/pottsville-union-station-1
https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/schuylkill-haven-station-xmas

[coldriver]

going back to the yard radii question - curves that tight just look so "HO"

[Rich_S]

May the universe shine good fortune on Rich Frey: This was just posted.

/>

Ed, This is also the appeal of the Union Railroad, Montour Railroad (entire fleet was SW9's hauling heavy coal trains) and the P&LE (GP38's and U28B's running with MP15's and SW1500's)

I know you're modeling Conrail, but if you ever need a break from "Big Blue" here's a couple other railroad worthy of some attention. 

[Hawghead]

It all kind of reminds me of a modern day Rio Grande Southern just set in the east.

Scott

[davefoxx]

I’ve been lucky enough to railfan the Union RR with Ed.  Thinking of you today; I’m running a SBD MP15DC, which were known to see road service from time to time.



DFF

[Rich_S]

I’ve been lucky enough to railfan the Union RR with Ed.  Thinking of you today; I’m running a SBD MP15DC, which were known to see road service from time to time.



DFF

Hi Dave,  That is a very nice looking local.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

My recon trip up to "The Skook" prompted me to make some changes to the layout plan. I REALLY wanted to get Good Spring in there and I realized I could pass on Weigh Scales.

It took me a while to figure out how to pull it off, but I think this does it. It ALSO explains a bit of my scenery plan.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]