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MikeMc
Engine Wiper
USA
157 Posts |
 Posted - 07/07/2012 : 8:41:55 PM
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Part 3 of the video documenting John Rahenkamp's Clairmont, Lewiston & Western is now on YouTube. This part shows the peninsula section of the layout which is devoted to the Lehigh Valley branch between Easton and Tamaqua.
It starts with some overall news of the area before the iCar is sent down the hill from the mine at Tamaqua, past the other mines at Hauto and Nesquehoning, to the yard at Lehighton, then downgrade further past Palmerton and into Easton.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99qOe_9xotI
Sorry some of it is dark, but there are areas where the layout lighting is not too strong. It is not bad in person, but kind of an issue for video. It should still give you a good feel for this part of the layout though.
Mike McNamara
Delran, NJ
nekrailroad.com
mainecentral.blogspot.com |
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MarkF
Engineer
USA
9276 Posts |
Posted - 07/07/2012 : 11:33:05 PM
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| Well done Mike! These video's capture an interesting view of John's layout. |
Mark
See my homepage at http://home.comcast.net/~prrndiv/
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nhguy
Fireman
USA
3666 Posts |
Posted - 07/09/2012 : 01:07:40 AM
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| Very nice indeed. Thanks for posting. |
Bill Shanaman
Superintendent, New Haven RR in the 1948 to 1952 era
PMRA President 2013-14, OpSIG Member
NCE User Since 1999
Sugar City, Colorado |
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dlwrailfan1
Crew Chief
USA
574 Posts |
Posted - 08/17/2012 : 11:56:40 AM
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It was a 'hot' night on CL&W this week, with plenty of passengers and freight to move. While all of the fixed positions were staffed, only four road crews (Phil, Ed, PJ and this author) were 'in the house'.
Around 8:30 the dispatcher Mark F made the decision to close his office and go out on the road. Now all five road crews were on VFR - Visual Flight Rules. In other words, watch your tail and your front end at all times.
In Jersey City, Diamond Bill was enjoying his job building and breaking down passenger trains.
The giant towering over the town is Phil working the industries in Elizabeth behind him.
The new stalwart in Croxton is Chris C. He works hard to break down trains, prepare outgoing trains and keep his eye on everything else around him. When crews arrive he often has the train ready to leave with engine and caboose. In this shot, he fixes a derailment -- equipment problem,operator error or MOW issue. Who knows! [:-banghead]
After Mark F went on the road, we fell about 45 minutes behind, but then started to catch up. By 11 PM, we were up 20 minutes and ran the last passenger train ahead of schedule. Things go better with fewer people and more concentration.
We had a couple of close calls and a few discussions on who is railroad superior. While my coal drag was holding at Grade tower, a local working Easton crashed into my hack. Not saying who that was, but starts with a P.
The one choke point was Lehighton, where 'rookie' Steam Nut Bruce was falling behind. In this photo, John offers some pointers and Mark F is off to the side suggesting alternatives. When I left after midnight, Steam Nut was still classifying.
Thanks to John for hosting us and thanks to the maintenance crews for keeping the railroad running. Also thanks to your better half for the home made cookies and the other snacks. |
Edited by - dlwrailfan1 on 08/17/2012 3:56:11 PM |
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MarkF
Engineer
USA
9276 Posts |
Posted - 08/17/2012 : 8:53:06 PM
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| Great update Eric. It was another fun night on the CL&W, but I had the most fun - I got to get out from behind the dispatcher's desk! In Bruce's defense, because no one was dispatching, trains weren't being paced like normal, so three trains arrived at Lehighton at the same time, and he had one to go out, so it got a little jammed up. But by the end of the night, all was well and cleared up. |
Mark
See my homepage at http://home.comcast.net/~prrndiv/
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Mike Hamer
Engineer
9345 Posts |
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dlwrailfan1
Crew Chief
USA
574 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2012 : 3:42:30 PM
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BREAKING NEWS! The International Council of Dispatchers, CL&W Unit has filed a formal complaint with management. The railroad is in violation of the fairly negotiated contract. Railroad operations over the last two shifts ran without the competent oversight of one of our highly qualified dispatchers. This is not only dangerous, but a 'slap in the face' to the loyal members of the ICD.
For the second session in a row, the railroad's crew caller has not been able to fill the roster. On arrival, crews were assigned where the need was greatest. Most of the money losing passenger trains were annulled and the terminal was nearly empty. Freight trains were running and the yards were staffed. By 10:20 the railroad was running 40 minutes ahead of schedule.
The yards in Croxton and Lehighton were running smoothly. Veterans Chris C, Dick and Jim D had things in hand. Once we caught up, crews had a chance to jawbone over various issues. Mark F (left) consults with MikeMc while Diamond Bill (background) runs a train out of Jersey City.
The most interesting part of the railroad was Clairmont. Who knows why, but this end of the line was constantly clogged. Phil is bringing in Train 530 and Harsco Rick is assisting with his drops / pickups. Note the high level of concentration as they closely observe all of the safety rules. 
Soon after this two freight trains were closing in one Clairmont as the Milk and Mail arrived. Engineer Bill Howard stalled on the long grade. Rick sent a rescue engine and here he gets into position for a view of the coupling.
Success! The rescue engine coupled on and pulled the Milk and Mail into Clairmont. Mark F and the peanut gallery offered many suggestions and funny observations.
[:-censored]
BTW, Rick just posted a great photo story on paper building modeling. Take a look at the Harsco thread page 111.
Thanks once again to John and his helpers for providing another great day in railroad operation.
PS: Negotiations with the Dispatchers has gone to the arbitrator and who knows when that will be concluded. |
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MarkF
Engineer
USA
9276 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2012 : 10:30:15 PM
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| Well, at least I got to run some trains for a change! It was a great night. Thanks for catching some action Eric, but that last shot.... well... not exactly what I would call flattering! |
Mark
See my homepage at http://home.comcast.net/~prrndiv/
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Harsco
Fireman
USA
1101 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2012 : 07:29:04 AM
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| Thanks for capturing my "good side", Eric....Clairmont is the only operating position on the CL&W that requires a warm up and stretching session beforehand....LOL |
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nhguy
Fireman
USA
3666 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2012 : 2:40:09 PM
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| At least it wasn't a 'full on moon shot' thank goodness! Oh? That is your good side Rick? Thanks for posting Eric. I got my chuckle for the morning. |
Bill Shanaman
Superintendent, New Haven RR in the 1948 to 1952 era
PMRA President 2013-14, OpSIG Member
NCE User Since 1999
Sugar City, Colorado |
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Harsco
Fireman
USA
1101 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2012 : 09:19:06 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by nhguy
At least it wasn't a 'full on moon shot' thank goodness! Oh? That is your good side Rick? Thanks for posting Eric. I got my chuckle for the morning.
Just be happy it wasn't the bad side, Bill....LOL. To explain a bit: Clairmont used to be the terminus of the railroad before the latest extension into Sayre, which means there's LOTS of track hidden under the visible portion - turnarounds, staging, intersections, junctions...you get the picture. As Eric noted, this was my attempt to "assist" a typically underpowered steam loco up the hill...a delicate operation that requires a keen eye, careful throttle manipulation, and an obscure yoga position known as "The Helper Engine Squat" |
Edited by - Harsco on 09/22/2012 09:20:33 AM |
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MarkF
Engineer
USA
9276 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2012 : 12:31:52 PM
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| You know, I would offer my input here, but it's one of those situations where you had to be there. That's me - the guy with the good looking legs - sitting there patiently waiting to enter Clairmont while Rick was doing "The Helper Engine Squat". Not a pretty sight, I can assure you! [:-bigeyes] |
Mark
See my homepage at http://home.comcast.net/~prrndiv/
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nhguy
Fireman
USA
3666 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2012 : 5:43:21 PM
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quote:
Just be happy it wasn't the bad side, Bill....LOL. To explain a bit: Clairmont used to be the terminus of the railroad before the latest extension into Sayre, which means there's LOTS of track hidden under the visible portion - turnarounds, staging, intersections, junctions...you get the picture. As Eric noted, this was my attempt to "assist" a typically underpowered steam loco up the hill...a delicate operation that requires a keen eye, careful throttle manipulation, and an obscure yoga position known as "The Helper Engine Squat"
I AM happy about that!
"As Eric noted, this was my attempt to "assist" a typically underpowered steam loco up the hill..."
How about double heading the train if its a known under powered engine for that area?
Pretty legs Mark.....[:-bigeyes] |
Bill Shanaman
Superintendent, New Haven RR in the 1948 to 1952 era
PMRA President 2013-14, OpSIG Member
NCE User Since 1999
Sugar City, Colorado |
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MikeMc
Engine Wiper
USA
157 Posts |
Posted - 10/03/2012 : 9:57:44 PM
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Part 4 of the video documenting John Rahenkamp's Clairmont, Lewiston & Western is now on YouTube. This part picks up where part 3 left off, traveling from Easton and into the yard at Croxton.
First we cross the large bridge over the Delaware River, through Phillippsburg and into Bound Brook, then through the large cities of Elizabeth and Elizabethport before heading down through Croxton, with a trip through the yard and all the way out the switch lead.
http://youtu.be/a8QM0vTibv4
Mike McNamara
Delran, NJ
nekrailroad.com
mainecentral.blogspot.com
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MikeMc
Engine Wiper
USA
157 Posts |
Posted - 10/03/2012 : 10:17:20 PM
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Part 5 of the video documenting John Rahenkamp's Clairmont, Lewiston & Western is now on YouTube. This showcases the areas of Ironbound and Bayview.
A trip in both directions through Ironbound, then a number of trips through Bayview, starting at the junction to Ironbound and heading into the yard, plus runs to the coal dock, the turntable, Jersey City and Bayshore.
http://youtu.be/45S17G1mE1Y
I still have one more segment to edit and post that features all of Jersey City which should complete our look at John's layout.
Mike McNamara
Delran, NJ
nekrailroad.com
mainecentral.blogspot.com |
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Wednesday Night Ops on the CL&W
