Bill Caloroso – Cal’s Classics
Talky Tuesday #18
An unusual southward looking view at Towanda is the subject of last week’s “Wordless Wednesday #46”. This scene is clearly after abandonment of the S&NY, as all of the tracks have been removed, save those transferred to the Lehigh Valley on the right, preserving a connection to the LV’s State Line and Sullivan Branch at Monroeton.
While probably uninteresting to the casual observer (just some abandoned buildings), this photo is a valuable find for the modeler. Essentially every other photo of the S&NY yard at Towanda I have was shot facing the opposite way (i.e. north). This is the only photo I have found that shows the north side of the engine house, sand house, and S&NY station/yard office.
Wordless Wednesday #46
Author’s Collection
Talky Tuesday #17
Last week’s “WW #45” is from the collection of Steve Hall, and shows SNY fireman H.G. McQuay, John J. Kilmer (section foreman?), and engineer Eli Chilson clowning a bit for the camera. Engine #114 forms the backdrop.
Op Session #7
The model S&NY hosted its 7th op session on May 8th, 2015. A good time was had by all, and the railroad behaved very well. Only one slightly sticky set of turnout points, and slight episodic hesitation of one locomotive late in the session. I believe this proves the old adage that the way to have a smooth-running model railroad is to run it. Running the railroad, especially with visitors present, is a sure way to flush out any gremlins. Glitch by glitch, the numerous little hiccups inherent to any newly constructed layout will make themselves apparent and can be fixed between sessions.
That, and have clean track. I did spend a bit of effort prior to the previous session cleaning every inch of track with a scrap block of homasote soaked with laquer thinner, and the previous issues with electrical continuity have significantly improved.
Sorting out moves at Bradford Storage.
Extra #1908 East heads around Masten Loop curve en route to Towanda.
I also tried to adhere a little closer to the timetable and issue written orders as necessary to both get the trains over the road, and add some authenticity. I have some continuing concerns that the loaded and empty extra coal train ping-ponging back and forth during the session might not be the most desirable train to run, and it is usually not the first job the crews bid on for a session. However, one crew member expressed the opinion that running the extra, with a helper on the rear, against the other scheduled timetable trains was actually an interesting challenge. It was gratifying to hear this, as a design goal was to provide a variety of trains that would each be engaging to run in their own way. I think it it telling though, that this individual is probably the most “into” timetable and train order ops.
Lastly, I doctored up a little cell phone video made by one of the fellows to provide a little “historical” footnote to the session:
Wordless Wednesday #45
Photo courtesy of Steve Hall
Talky Tuesday #16
A nearly panoramic view of the Lehigh Valley’s station in the north end of Towanda is the subject of last week’s “Wordless Wednesday #44”. To the left is SNY engine #119 with converted motor combination car #206. Behind #119 is the old Lehigh Valley stone enginehouse. In the background behind the station is the LV’s mainline coaling tower built ca. 1940, and to the viewer’s right is a Lehigh Valley freight train curving toward the mainline bridge over the Susquehanna River, just out of the frame to the right.
An interesting detail is the (presumed) line of taxis waiting behind the station. This suggests a Lehigh Valley passenger train (perhaps the Black Diamond?) is soon due.
Wordless Wednesday #44
Author’s Collection
Talky Tuesday #15
WW #43 is the last of the Robert Richardson S&NY photos from the Denver Public Library’s Western History Collection. In this image, #119 is seen departing the Lehigh Valley’s Towanda station with an interesting mixed train in tow. Ancient combine #102 carries the rear markers behind an almost equally ancient Milwaukee Road wooden-sheathed boxcar, and two tank cars. I cannot make out the ownership of the second tank car, but the first has GATX reporting marks, and is leased to Penick and Ford Ltd. Inc. P&F were makers of corn and sugar food products whose brand names included Brer Rabbit molasses, Brer Rabbit Syrup, Penick salad oil, and Douglas feed. They were also major suppliers of starch to the paper industry. Sunshine once offered an HO kit of this car with P&F decals.Sunshine GATX Type 30 8k tank cars (See page 2 of the Sunshine data sheet)
Recent Comments