Hi Again!

"The Miracle On Fresno Street" thread sort of gets me in a Christmas sort of mood. For sure, those two young men received a Christmas present from the One that gave the True Gift about 2000 years ago.

Well, I'm not sleepy just yet... so thought I'd type a few lines and catch you up on some of the happenings in the railroading world I work in.

Hit The Ground...

I've been involved in two minor derails since coming on board with the A&M.

The first happened as I was easing a trio of Alco's out of the engine house area to start the day: BAM (and bounce). Of course, I instantly stopped. Seems the rail spread and dropped two wheels (same side) onto the ties. Some 30-40 minutes later the car hands had it blocked back onto the rails. I didn't have to crawl under the engine or place a solitary block!! Sat in the seat and sipped coffee. This "big time" railroading is alright! To put that attitude in perspective, one day I worked 11 hours crawling around under a locomotive in a mud infested enviornment trying to block up a derailed motor that had been derailed by the previous crew. I thought we'd never get that engine back up.

The other derail happened a week or so ago. Shoving some loads into a spur, had one axle pick a switch point. No biggie. Ten minutes and we're on the rail and going again.

Worked The Ground...

An oft conductor for Job 2, Larry, is also a Certified Engineer for the A&M. In order to recertify, Larry needed a stop test before Dec 31. One morning this week I was instructed by the Train Master to have Larry in the seat when leaving south and to discreetly let him know when we were heading out. That I did. South we went.

Well, it was time to switch a location but no stop test as yet... so I told Larry to keep the seat and give me his radio. Yours truly then worked the ground the rest of the day. What a "welcome back" it was: Temps in the upper 30's with a north wind blowing a rain. However, I took a morbid pleasure in remaing cheerful and rubbing it back in Larry's nose. You see, he teases me about being "old" (which is a joke between us, for he is only 3 years younger), and how that I sit and run while he does all the work. Well... I may be 55, but my knees, ankles, and back are doing great. Plus, my lifestyle has helped me to stay reasonably fit, much better than average for my age. He was shocked that I could still hit the ground just fine when dropping off a movement at 10+ MPH. Sure I was cold and wet... but no way in God's green earth I was going to let him know it!! A fella's got pride, 'ya know. (Really, it wasn't that bad. I've worked the ground in worse conditions.)

Passenger Trains...

Was informed by the Train Master that I am to start qualifying on the Saturday passenger train after the first of the year. It will be good to get out of local service every now and then and get on a road job. The young (25 yo) ground crewman I often work with has never worked a road job. He is likely to be qualified as Conductor for the same job. He thinks it will be boring riding on the left side with nothing to do. (All he's known is switching jobs. He's only railroaded a year.) I told him he just may enjoy the change of pace. I told him there's nothing like rockin' n' rollin' along at speed in a train. Plus, there will be Track Warrants to take, opposing trains to dodge, etc. He will actually be railroading. I'm looking forward to it.

Well, now I'm getting sleepy, so gonna' shut this one down.

Night all... and have Merry Christmas!!

Thanks for the update Andre! Sounds like you're having a blast!

These are fine ruminations, friend. God keep you this Christmas season.

(From one who "pounds the ground" more than he "unhooks the latch.")

I swear one day I'll will go up there ,and take photos of you while you work.

John said:

"I swear one day I'll will go up there ,and take photos of you while you work."

Come on up. If you arrive at Ft. Smith in the morning, railfanning is like shooting fish in a barrel. You have:

A&M Job 2: (My job typically) Usually switching the yard or working north toward Dixie Cup/James River by 8 AM... then back in the yard 9-11 AM... then south to the KCS and Whirlpool lead... back in the yard that afternoon... then back north again (if Dixie Cup/James River needs a second switch). Typical power: Single C420

A&M Job 3: Leaves the yard about 7:30 AM to go switch the sand plant and the bottoms at Van Buren. Makes the FSR Transfer to/from after lunch sometime, then can drag back the Ft. Smith "propers" that evening. C420/T6/C420 consist.

KCS Ft. Smith Dodger: Typically arrives the Ft. Smith area around 9 AM, switches at their yard until just before or around noon and departs south. A&M Job 2 typically has to work around them either on the way south or coming back north or both. 2 or 3 EMD Geeps, various flavors and cab types.

Ft. Smith RR Morning Job: Starts about 7 AM, switches their yard, then heads south for the South Ft. Smith industrial park where they can work until afternoon, then drags back into their yard to sort cars. Single GP20's, either a black w/yellow stripes FSR engine or the ex-ATSF still in yellow warbonnet.

Ft. Smith RR Mid Job: Works at the FSR yard after the Morning Job leaves, as well as doing other odd jobs. Same power options as above.

UP RR at Van Buren: Has a yard switch job that works most all day, as well as umpteen throughs working their way through the yard. All sorts of power.

All this happens during the day.

If you recognize me (see the Christmas Greetings thread), be sure to wave "HI".

Hay Andre I thought you created the A&M for me------its a real R.R.?--------
I going to need to learn to run them C420s you sold me
I pefer EMD geeps (normaly aspirated)

westswitch