April 2013 Update

So it has been a few months since my last post. A lot of work happening on the layout during this time, helping define its purpose and existence in Mid-Michigan.

Motive Power
NRE Genset 3GS21B #2101 returned from Fogelsinger Rail' paint shop. This unit will be tasked with working the L-BABC "Bay City Local". Ironically the first picture shows the unit MU'd with one of roads older motors EMD SD45-2 #4570. On a model railroading I recently attempted my first Soundtraxx Tsunami install with the newly released AT1000 decoder specifically for this genset (Cummins QS19K motor) with Soundtraxx speaker. The sound I feel is a spot on match to the gensets that ply the Fort Worth Terminal Complex on the BNSF Railway. Hear them daily on my lunch break runs to Quiktrip.

Old meet New - 3GS21B and SD45-2

NRE 3GS21B - MCIS #2101

Upper Huron Construction
Yesterday I had 2 hours free so I finished up wiring the wye at Upper Huron Junction. The wye connects the "Port Belle Sub - east fiddle staging" with the St. Clair Subdivision mainline. Since it was a wye, special wiring was required.... In this case a Digitrax AR-1, what a great deal automating the power reversal versus a DPDT switch. Trackwork has some super elevation to help offset the tighter radius which is between 26-28". The wye allows the continuous upper level run to go back down the wye and is a cool operational add. With the sugar beet plant at Upper Huron and numerous trains for the Port Belle Sub this track will see plenty of use. The modeled town of Upper Huron will be a few buildings up against the backdrop that hides the helix interior and fiddle / staging area. The Michigan Sugar - Upper Huron continues to take shape. Recently acquired Walthers kits will makeup the majority of the backdrop industry. More on this industry and its construction later.

Looking east - east wye leg on left / mainline on right. M-54 will be in the foreground going into Upper Huron.

MCIS GP40X #4035 with 5 new Trinity 5161 covered hoppers holding on east leg awaiting DTC clearance onto mainline.

Michigan Sugar - Upper Huron Plant

Grays Lake Construction
Recently a brief demo was completed between Grays Lake and Gerhard to re-align the mainline and passing siding. More pictures to follow once the trackwork is put down, right now road bed is in place sanded ready to go. One section that was improved was the super elevated curve coming off the Quanicassee Creek bridge heading into Grays Lake.

An awesome curve when viewed from track level over by the bridge. Salt mine will be in upper right corner on spur. Town of Grays Lake with be in the lower left foreground.

Dawn of the Genset Era

Keeping my model railroad up to date is not an easy task, but it does allow me to have constant inspiration from around my surroundings. Part of staying current is motive power. The mechanical department has recently begun a modernization initiative. This program includes adding GPS units, air conditioners, and reflective taping to units.

New additions to the fleet have also been coming from National Railway Equipment. Recently the first 3GS21B from Atlas Trainman arrived, but is currently off at Fogelsinger Rail being painted.

A unique program for modernizing the SD35 fleet has also been implemented with two directions being taken. Two SD35s are currently being converted to 3GS21C's without dynamic brakes as noted by the photo below of the unit at Bay Yard on its way to Fogelsinger Rail for painting.

The other SD35s will be converted to SD22ECO's that will utilize a NRE genset style cab with a EMD 8 cylinder 710 engine.

Our Newest Arrival

Our first child Grayson was born on November, 27th at 2328 local time. He is such a joy to have and alot of work but being a parent is such an awesome experience. I look forward to the time we will spend together working on the model railroad.

Bay Yard - Fall 2012 Update

A quick update on Bay Yard - the final track plan has been developed for the yard and should be completed by early January 2013. The yard consists of 6 through tracks that can be used for classification, blocking, or arrival / departure

Above the R-BAUH "Huron Turn" has just returned to Bay Yard after making a run to Upper Huron to drop off and pick up traffic for local delivery by the Upper Huron based switcher.

The terminal also has a 2 track diesel service facility for inspecting, fueling, and making light repairs to motive power assigned to or moving through Bay City.

Layout Update

My last update was on March 30, 2012 over 8 months ago. I do however have results to show regarding layout construction that has taken place during this time.

The biggest improvement completed over this time was the benchwork, mainline, and upper staging yard completion.

 The left side of the layout above taken from the room entrance shows the mainline banking into the super elevated curve heading toward Gray Lake, Gerhard, and Port Huron staging.

Right side of the layout from the room entrance showing the helix exit onto the upper deck leading through the Upper Huron Wye and over the Quanicassee Creek heading east. Soon a backdrop will hide the helix opening and the staging / through tracks along the back of the room by the poster.

New Motors

This month was also the delivery of two new units for the MCIS. Both units were spotted showing off for employees outside the Bay City Division Offices. Paintshop work orders are in the works and should be off to Fogelsinger Rail sometime in May or June for their coats of blue and yellow.

EMD GP40-2 (4006) Atlas - Silver
EMD SD40-2 (4055) Kato

Motor of the Month (March 2012)

Model:(Athearn Genesis) SD45-2
Built: 1974
Manufacturer: GM-EMD
HP: 3600
PM: EMD 645E3
Fleet Size: 2(4570-4571)
Painted by Fred Fogelsinger (Bay City, Michigan)