Jackson & Burke Railroad

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Bluestone Southern Ops


We've visited Andy and Jane Clarke's Bluestone Southern in Nashville, Illinois many times whenever we attended Ric & Jan Golding's Kakaskia Railway Operations in Carlyle, Illinois.

Now, his railroad has evolved to the point where he has regular operations sessions four times a year.   We always attend the last one, in October.


It's a fun time for operations and socialization.

Bluestone Southern 2014

This is our first year attending an operations session here.  


It's a long drive from Burke, Virginia to Nashville, Illinois, but well worth it.

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October 17. Jean and I arrived early Friday afternoon, and got to take a look at the railroad. It's been about 3 or 4 years since we were out here and I wanted to see all of the changes. It's a VERY impressive railroad. And SO LARGE that it doesn't even fit in this distance shot.
October 17. Jean and I arrived early Friday afternoon, and got to take a look at the railroad. It's been about 3 or 4 years since we were out here and I wanted to see all of the changes.
It's a VERY impressive railroad. And SO LARGE that it doesn't even fit in this distance shot.
L-R: Andy, Ken, Jean, and Jane. It's hard to get a shot without the railroad in the picture, but I managed it this once.
L-R: Andy, Ken, Jean, and Jane. It's hard to get a shot without the railroad in the picture, but I managed it this once.
Here we see the town of Bluefield; the Industrial Park is just beyond the row of trees.
Here we see the town of Bluefield; the Industrial Park is just beyond the row of trees.
October 17. The caboose looks great with the rivets; Jinx enjoys the shade.
October 17. The caboose looks great with the rivets; Jinx enjoys the shade.
Up at Hilltop Overlook we see that the town is not quite done yet; it needs more track and ballast.
Up at Hilltop Overlook we see that the town is not quite done yet; it needs more track and ballast.
But ballast is not an issue when you have your own front end loader to bring it around.
But ballast is not an issue when you have your own front end loader to bring it around.
October 17. Jane uses her right foot to point out where the ground is still a bit sort from the rain.
October 17. Jane uses her right foot to point out where the ground is still a bit sort from the rain.
Ken and I decide they need some GOOD supervisors. We lcouldn't find any, so we headed up to do the job ourselves. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew pitched in to help install track and ballast. The sun was setting so we had to quit, leaving just a bit to do for Saturday.
Ken and I decide they need some GOOD supervisors. We lcouldn't find any, so we headed up to do the job ourselves. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew pitched in to help install track and ballast. The sun was setting so we had to quit, leaving just a bit to do for Saturday.
October 18. Saturday is still clear, but colder and windier. There's a bit of work to be done, but you're allowed a generous rest after ballasting Memphis/Evansville. Here, Ric takes time to talk with Dave Masters.
October 18. Saturday is still clear, but colder and windier. There's a bit of work to be done, but you're allowed a generous rest after ballasting Memphis/Evansville. Here, Ric takes time to talk with Dave Masters.
October 18. I get a chance to run my little switcher around this gorgeous layout.
October 18. I get a chance to run my little switcher around this gorgeous layout.
October 18. This is a schematic of the track plan - there's a copy posted on each clipboard. The diagram makes the railroad seem tiny...until you start walking around.
October 18. This is a schematic of the track plan - there's a copy posted on each clipboard. The diagram makes the railroad seem tiny...until you start walking around.
Jean and I choose to run OVER-1 - a train that goes from Bluefield up to Hilltop Overlook - the part that was just finished yesterday. Our orders are to take our cars to Overlook and exchange them for the cars there. Our first challenge is the wind - as you cross the bridge, the boxcars catch the wind and flop over. Dave Masters helps me right them.
Jean and I choose to run OVER-1 - a train that goes from Bluefield up to Hilltop Overlook - the part that was just finished yesterday. Our orders are to take our cars to Overlook and exchange them for the cars there. Our first challenge is the wind - as you cross the bridge, the boxcars catch the wind and flop over. Dave Masters helps me right them.
Overlook is deceptive. When you first pull in, you're convinced that there's more than enough track to switch everything without fouling the main. Later, it just doesn't seem so. Anyway, Jean is recovering from back surgery and enjoys the opportunity to take a seat while she operates the locomotives. In this shot, the main is almost out of sight on the far left, part of our train occupies the track available to us at Overlook.
Overlook is deceptive. When you first pull in, you're convinced that there's more than enough track to switch everything without fouling the main. Later, it just doesn't seem so. Anyway, Jean is recovering from back surgery and enjoys the opportunity to take a seat while she operates the locomotives. In this shot, the main is almost out of sight on the far left, part of our train occupies the track available to us at Overlook.
October 18. Of course, one can't sit the whole time...
October 18. Of course, one can't sit the whole time...
Once our switching is complete, we take the train back to Bluefield.
Once our switching is complete, we take the train back to Bluefield.
Later in the day, there's a bit of a traffic jam at Bluefield as our train never came in the house. I send my boxcab switcher out to move it out of the way. It struggles a bit, but eventually moves the cars.
Later in the day, there's a bit of a traffic jam at Bluefield as our train never came in the house. I send my boxcab switcher out to move it out of the way. It struggles a bit, but eventually moves the cars.
October 18. Jean needs a rest, so Ken and I take the Bluefield to Memphis train. Here we are passing Hadley Forest in the Sparta subdivision.
October 18. Jean needs a rest, so Ken and I take the Bluefield to Memphis train. Here we are passing Hadley Forest in the Sparta subdivision.
The train crosses the bridge on the way into Memphis.
The train crosses the bridge on the way into Memphis.
October 19. Sunday is still clear and much nicer than Saturday. I come bundled up, but soon remove my sweatshirt and jacket. There's very little wind today. Normally, the ops session doesn't start until about noon, but a car club comes to visit around 1030, so we need to get some trains running to give them something to view. Jean and I decide to take out the local, which pretty much runs over the entire layout. It proves to be a very fun train.
October 19. Sunday is still clear and much nicer than Saturday. I come bundled up, but soon remove my sweatshirt and jacket. There's very little wind today.
Normally, the ops session doesn't start until about noon, but a car club comes to visit around 1030, so we need to get some trains running to give them something to view.
Jean and I decide to take out the local, which pretty much runs over the entire layout. It proves to be a very fun train.
The work sheet allows you to write in the cars you take out - which is helpful when you get to a switching location, just to make sure you're dropping cars you brought. Our journey starts in Evansville and Ric works to get the train ready to go.
The work sheet allows you to write in the cars you take out - which is helpful when you get to a switching location, just to make sure you're dropping cars you brought.
Our journey starts in Evansville and Ric works to get the train ready to go.
We climb the hill out of Memphis and soon come up to Overlook - where we switched yesterday. Today, Ken and Doug have the job, while the car club members look on.
We climb the hill out of Memphis and soon come up to Overlook - where we switched yesterday. Today, Ken and Doug have the job, while the car club members look on.
October 19. After crossing the bridge, we run through Bluefield.
October 19. After crossing the bridge, we run through Bluefield.
We set the switch, cross the Wye Bridge and head into Sparta where we set out and pick up three boxcars.
We set the switch, cross the Wye Bridge and head into Sparta where we set out and pick up three boxcars.
Then it's down the grade as we pass Hadley Forest.
Then it's down the grade as we pass Hadley Forest.
October 19. We continue down the grade.
October 19. We continue down the grade.
Next, we cross the diamond at Woodlawn.
Next, we cross the diamond at Woodlawn.
Climbing the hill into Nashville.
Climbing the hill into Nashville.
October 19. There's a bit of switching the covered hoppers at Nashville. Addieville has four more that we have to replace. There's a very long passing siding to help get the job done.
October 19. There's a bit of switching the covered hoppers at Nashville. Addieville has four more that we have to replace. There's a very long passing siding to help get the job done.
Once our work is complete, we reassemble our train and head back towards Woodlawn. Here we set out 3 boxcars on the Northbound Interchange (shown on the right) and pick up 3 boxcars from the Southbound Interchange (the track to the left)
Once our work is complete, we reassemble our train and head back towards Woodlawn. Here we set out 3 boxcars on the Northbound Interchange (shown on the right) and pick up 3 boxcars from the Southbound Interchange (the track to the left)
Leaving Woodlawn, we head up the long grade towards Sparta.
Leaving Woodlawn, we head up the long grade towards Sparta.
October 19. Around the bend and we're almost there.
October 19. Around the bend and we're almost there.
Just passing Sparta and the track starts to level out.
Just passing Sparta and the track starts to level out.
Roger gets a shot of our train as it passes over his coal train.
Roger gets a shot of our train as it passes over his coal train.
October 19. I take a similar shot.
October 19. I take a similar shot.
Next we head past Overlook again on our way to Evansville.
Next we head past Overlook again on our way to Evansville.
The railroad is just not large enough yet, so Andy and Jane have more plans for expansion.
The railroad is just not large enough yet, so Andy and Jane have more plans for expansion.
October 19. After that run, there's just enough time to grab something to eat in the crew lounge before our early departure. L-R: Rita and Dan Patterson, Doug Matheson, and Andy.
October 19. After that run, there's just enough time to grab something to eat in the crew lounge before our early departure. L-R: Rita and Dan Patterson, Doug Matheson, and Andy.
It's a happy crew and we're very pleased to have joined them for the weekend!
It's a happy crew and we're very pleased to have joined them for the weekend!

Bluestone Southern 2015

This is our second year attending an operations session here.  


It's over 800 miles from Burke, Virginia to Nashville, Illinois, but we're getting the hang of it.

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October 16. Well, we certainly had a great weekend! We arrived a bit early on Friday and got a chance to look around. It seems a lot greener than last year. There's a lot of plants out there.
October 16. Well, we certainly had a great weekend!
We arrived a bit early on Friday and got a chance to look around. It seems a lot greener than last year. There's a lot of plants out there.
We were just in time to watch Jane finish some work - adding more track in between Memphis and Evansville. Ken looks on.
We were just in time to watch Jane finish some work - adding more track in between Memphis and Evansville. Ken looks on.
It's a big area. Memphis at the far end, and Evansville at the near end...and over 100 feet between them.
It's a big area. Memphis at the far end, and Evansville at the near end...and over 100 feet between them.
October 16. Overlook has a bunch of new buildings...
October 16. Overlook has a bunch of new buildings...
"Y" bridge in the distant center...
"Y" bridge in the distant center...
The new factory in the industrial park...
The new factory in the industrial park...
October 16. And a surprise! This drove up while we were walking around...
October 16. And a surprise! This drove up while we were walking around...
Brand new, but Jan has already mastered backing it up!
Brand new, but Jan has already mastered backing it up!
Time to relax a bit and enjoy the company.
Time to relax a bit and enjoy the company.
October 17. Saturday is the "Official" start of operations. Jean and I first went birdwatching at Washington County Lake just a few miles from Andy & Jane. Not a lot of birds, but very pretty.
October 17. Saturday is the "Official" start of operations. Jean and I first went birdwatching at Washington County Lake just a few miles from Andy & Jane. Not a lot of birds, but very pretty.
It's just a great day for admiring the lake.
It's just a great day for admiring the lake.
Then we went over to join the group. Here Bob and Dan take a gander at Overlook.
Then we went over to join the group. Here Bob and Dan take a gander at Overlook.
October 17. Ken was busy running the set out trains. Here he puts some cars into Overlook.
October 17. Ken was busy running the set out trains. Here he puts some cars into Overlook.
I took my boxcab and ran my odometer car around the layout between various locations so Andy would have some measurements of his track length.
I took my boxcab and ran my odometer car around the layout between various locations so Andy would have some measurements of his track length.
Ken and Bob discuss a little bit of everything down by Memphis.
Ken and Bob discuss a little bit of everything down by Memphis.
October 17. Mark and Mark were running the yard between Evansville and Memphis.
October 17. Mark and Mark were running the yard between Evansville and Memphis.
Jean and I decided to run the Evansville Local. This is a great train to run, but takes the longest. There's over 5 scale miles of track between Evansville and Addieville. Then you run around the train and take the trip back in reverse order. You DO get to see most of the layout!
Jean and I decided to run the Evansville Local. This is a great train to run, but takes the longest. There's over 5 scale miles of track between Evansville and Addieville. Then you run around the train and take the trip back in reverse order. You DO get to see most of the layout!
October 17. We're passing the light house and headed up the grade.
October 17. We're passing the light house and headed up the grade.
Our train waits for Dan's train to pass before we can cross the bridge. In the background: Ken, Ben, Dan, and Ric (I think).
Our train waits for Dan's train to pass before we can cross the bridge. In the background: Ken, Ben, Dan, and Ric (I think).
After switching Addieville, we run the engine around the train and head back the way we came.
After switching Addieville, we run the engine around the train and head back the way we came.
October 18. Next up is a fairly easy run: Bluefield to Memphis, with just a bit of switching in Woodlawn.
October 18. Next up is a fairly easy run: Bluefield to Memphis, with just a bit of switching in Woodlawn.
Jean drives the train out of Bluefield.
Jean drives the train out of Bluefield.
Here's Blu-Mem snaking across the "Y" bridge.
Here's Blu-Mem snaking across the "Y" bridge.
October 18. The train heads down the grade toward Woodlawn.
October 18. The train heads down the grade toward Woodlawn.
Then it was time to run the coal train: It's a unit train that goes from Bluefield down to Memphis. There, the coal is unloaded and we return. On this trip, we're hauling 24 hoppers.
Then it was time to run the coal train: It's a unit train that goes from Bluefield down to Memphis. There, the coal is unloaded and we return. On this trip, we're hauling 24 hoppers.
Once we reached Memphis, we ran the engine around the train and then headed back to Bluefield.
Once we reached Memphis, we ran the engine around the train and then headed back to Bluefield.
October 18. After that, I decided that I'd like to run the Amtrak. Train 301 departs Bluefield Yard.
October 18. After that, I decided that I'd like to run the Amtrak. Train 301 departs Bluefield Yard.
The train is departing Evansville station.
The train is departing Evansville station.
October 18. Ben and Ric take a train out of Bluefield.
October 18. Ben and Ric take a train out of Bluefield.
At the end of Sunday, all of the cars have to be brought back to the basement. Robbie and Ken are bringing in a couple of trains.
At the end of Sunday, all of the cars have to be brought back to the basement. Robbie and Ken are bringing in a couple of trains.
Every car is stored on racks of tracks in the basement. The shelves continue way off to the right. That's Andy trying to make sure it's all put away correctly.
Every car is stored on racks of tracks in the basement. The shelves continue way off to the right. That's Andy trying to make sure it's all put away correctly.
October 18. An overview of the Bluestone Southern. Each operator is also given a clipboard with a track plan schematic to help keep your train on the right track.
October 18. An overview of the Bluestone Southern. Each operator is also given a clipboard with a track plan schematic to help keep your train on the right track.

Bluestone Southern 2017


This is our third year attending an operations session here and it keeps getting bigger and better!


What a great weekend!

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October 12. We typically leave on Thursday and drive to Corydon, Indiana and spend the night there.
October 12. We typically leave on Thursday and drive to Corydon, Indiana and spend the night there.
October 13. We get to Andy & Jane's about noon their time and take a look around.
October 13. We get to Andy & Jane's about noon their time and take a look around.
There's been some work since last year. The power plant area is new.
There's been some work since last year. The power plant area is new.
October 13. A lot of new track has been put down.
October 13. A lot of new track has been put down.
An overview of the power plant area.
An overview of the power plant area.
I cannot get the whole railroad in the viewfinder.
I cannot get the whole railroad in the viewfinder.
October 13. A nice view of the layout.
October 13. A nice view of the layout.
Overlook.
Overlook.
The sitting area and fire pit.
The sitting area and fire pit.
October 14. Saturday was the REAL day for operations and I wore myself out with running trains. First up was the Industrial Park Local. Jean and I did this - it was perfect for her, since Andy had already put up a couple of chairs and a canopy at the site, so Jean didn't have to walk around. The Industrial Park Local: Pickup train in the Bluefield Yard (the basement) and proceed out the Hilltop Subdivision on the bridge. Depart Bluefield Yards with 3 Deepwells, 3 50 foot boxcars, 3 50 foot refrigerator cars, 2 40 foot boxcars, 1 centerbeam flatcar and 1 woodchip car.
October 14. Saturday was the REAL day for operations and I wore myself out with running trains.

First up was the Industrial Park Local. Jean and I did this - it was perfect for her, since Andy had already put up a couple of chairs and a canopy at the site, so Jean didn't have to walk around.

The Industrial Park Local:
Pickup train in the Bluefield Yard (the basement) and proceed out the Hilltop Subdivision on the bridge. Depart Bluefield Yards with 3 Deepwells, 3 50 foot boxcars, 3 50 foot refrigerator cars, 2 40 foot boxcars, 1 centerbeam flatcar and 1 woodchip car.
Proceed on the bridge until the caboose clears the switch into the Industrial Park mainline, then back into the industrial park.
Proceed on the bridge until the caboose clears the switch into the Industrial Park mainline, then back into the industrial park.
Back into the Industrial park and start switching.
Back into the Industrial park and start switching.
October 14. Our instructions.
October 14. Our instructions.
The sign in the yard tells you where everything goes; it's basically replace like for like.
The sign in the yard tells you where everything goes; it's basically replace like for like.
It's an interesting puzzle and I was initially stumped until Ken stopped by and suggested moving the deepwells out first. After that things clicked in place.
It's an interesting puzzle and I was initially stumped until Ken stopped by and suggested moving the deepwells out first. After that things clicked in place.
October 14. Jean relaxes in the shade as I direct the switching.
October 14. Jean relaxes in the shade as I direct the switching.
Oh, but it does look like it might be a COLD winter! This guy was surprisingly FAST.
Oh, but it does look like it might be a COLD winter! This guy was surprisingly FAST.
We back out of Industrial Park via the Sparta Subdivision and head back to the Bluefield Freight Yards, AKA the basement.
We back out of Industrial Park via the Sparta Subdivision and head back to the Bluefield Freight Yards, AKA the basement.
October 14. Next train up was the coal train. Ken and I took this one, although it doesn't begin to require a two man crew. But at least you have somebody cool to talk to! The Unit coal train start in the Bluefield Coal Marshaling Yard within the Bluefield Yards. In other words, we got our train from the yardmaster in the basement. We head along the Sparta Subdivision.
October 14. Next train up was the coal train. Ken and I took this one, although it doesn't begin to require a two man crew. But at least you have somebody cool to talk to!

The Unit coal train start in the Bluefield Coal Marshaling Yard within the Bluefield Yards. In other words, we got our train from the yardmaster in the basement.

We head along the Sparta Subdivision.
25 hoppers. It's a long train. Here, we're headed down the grade after Sparta.
25 hoppers. It's a long train. Here, we're headed down the grade after Sparta.
Crossing the bridge after Woodlawn Junction; that's Evansville in the background. We're headed past that towards Memphis.
Crossing the bridge after Woodlawn Junction; that's Evansville in the background. We're headed past that towards Memphis.
October 14. Still crossing the bridge as the locomotives make the turn towards Memphis.
October 14. Still crossing the bridge as the locomotives make the turn towards Memphis.
The unit coal train approaches Memphis.
The unit coal train approaches Memphis.
A view of the Power Plant location, looking from above Freeman Spur; Memphis is in the foreground (picture taken on Friday) What a run. After we do the loop at the power plant, we return the train to Bluefield Yards.
A view of the Power Plant location, looking from above Freeman Spur; Memphis is in the foreground (picture taken on Friday)
What a run. After we do the loop at the power plant, we return the train to Bluefield Yards.
October 14. Along the way, there's some strange sights. As we near Bluefield, we meet the "Amtrak" train. Not sure WHERE they got THAT locomotive! It's an easy run, as it is a unit train and there is no switching. But at least we get to have a LONG run. Or, so we thought until Ken and I team up to take out MCL-2.
October 14. Along the way, there's some strange sights. As we near Bluefield, we meet the "Amtrak" train. Not sure WHERE they got THAT locomotive!
It's an easy run, as it is a unit train and there is no switching. But at least we get to have a LONG run. Or, so we thought until Ken and I team up to take out MCL-2.
EVWR MCL-2 (local). We are to depart Evansville Yard with 15 covered hoppers and 2 50 foot boxcars. But, first we have to make up the train.
EVWR MCL-2 (local). We are to depart Evansville Yard with 15 covered hoppers and 2 50 foot boxcars.
But, first we have to make up the train.
Then we leave Evansville, headed up the hill.
Then we leave Evansville, headed up the hill.
October 14. Continuing up the grade...
October 14. Continuing up the grade...
We go through Bluefield and head around towards Sparta. At Sparta, we exchange our boxcars.
We go through Bluefield and head around towards Sparta. At Sparta, we exchange our boxcars.
Then it's down the grade towards Woodlawn Junction.
Then it's down the grade towards Woodlawn Junction.
October 14. We prepare to cross the diamond at Woodlawn Junction, while Ken points out the obvious.
October 14. We prepare to cross the diamond at Woodlawn Junction, while Ken points out the obvious.
Then it's up the grade towards Nashville.
Then it's up the grade towards Nashville.
Around the trestle... (Addiville elevator spur is just around the corner)
Around the trestle... (Addiville elevator spur is just around the corner)
October 14. We pass Addieville and finally arrive at Okawville. Here we exchange our 15 covered hoppers.
October 14. We pass Addieville and finally arrive at Okawville. Here we exchange our 15 covered hoppers.
Then head back to Evansville the way we came. It's a LONG run, but lots of fun. I'm pooped! But, it's time to put away our trains; Sunday forecast is not looking good. Rain in the morning and windy later on.
Then head back to Evansville the way we came. It's a LONG run, but lots of fun.
I'm pooped!
But, it's time to put away our trains; Sunday forecast is not looking good. Rain in the morning and windy later on.
October 15. On Sunday, I decide not to run. The wind is fierce enough to blow all the boxcars off of the tracks and I don't need that sort of frustration that comes with re-railing my cars every other foot. But, the RDC come out... They stay on the track! Here, Ric and his RDC approach Memphis - just over that bridge.
October 15. On Sunday, I decide not to run. The wind is fierce enough to blow all the boxcars off of the tracks and I don't need that sort of frustration that comes with re-railing my cars every other foot.
But, the RDC come out... They stay on the track! Here, Ric and his RDC approach Memphis - just over that bridge.
October 15. I'm already making plans to switch Freeman Spur next year.
October 15. I'm already making plans to switch Freeman Spur next year.
Or, maybe I'll switch Overlook again...
Or, maybe I'll switch Overlook again...
While not running, one can always relax at Log Henge...
While not running, one can always relax at Log Henge...

Bluestone Southern 2018



Better and better!

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October 12. We leave Virginia on Thursday and on Friday we always stop at a little rest area just east of Mt. Vernon. There's a little trail through the woods. It's great for birding!
October 12. We leave Virginia on Thursday and on Friday we always stop at a little rest area just east of Mt. Vernon. There's a little trail through the woods. It's great for birding!
October 13. Driving up to the house, we just get a great impression about how much the plants have grown over the years.
October 13. Driving up to the house, we just get a great impression about how much the plants have grown over the years.
Lots of greenery - and it gets taller each time we return.
Lots of greenery - and it gets taller each time we return.
October 13. The sign on Chandler's Factory has not weathered very well.
October 13. The sign on Chandler's Factory has not weathered very well.
Andy is always adding buildings - and a new one came while we were visiting.
Andy is always adding buildings - and a new one came while we were visiting.
A distant shot of Freeman Spur - where I plan operate this year.
A distant shot of Freeman Spur - where I plan operate this year.
October 13. Just to the left of Freeman Spur - the white stakes indicate where the pond will be sometime in the future.
October 13. Just to the left of Freeman Spur - the white stakes indicate where the pond will be sometime in the future.
Before we can operate, the cars need to be set out. I decide to set out the cars for Freeman Spur, as I didn't get a chance to work that yet. The train leaves the basement...
Before we can operate, the cars need to be set out. I decide to set out the cars for Freeman Spur, as I didn't get a chance to work that yet.
The train leaves the basement...
Then it crosses the "Y" bridge on the way to the Sparta subdivision...
Then it crosses the "Y" bridge on the way to the Sparta subdivision...
October 13. We are coming up to Sparta.
October 13. We are coming up to Sparta.
Passing by Sparta.
Passing by Sparta.
Once we clear Sparta, it's down the grade for a bit...
Once we clear Sparta, it's down the grade for a bit...
October 13. We eventually get to Freeman Spur, where Jean acts as the engineer. The train has pulled in on the center track.
October 13. We eventually get to Freeman Spur, where Jean acts as the engineer. The train has pulled in on the center track.
A placard tells us where the cars should go. Of course, in setup, it's pretty easy because there is NOTHING there now.
A placard tells us where the cars should go. Of course, in setup, it's pretty easy because there is NOTHING there now.
A view of Freeman Spur from the other end.
A view of Freeman Spur from the other end.
October 13. Once the cars are in place, we head back to the basement...
October 13. Once the cars are in place, we head back to the basement...
Now, after the cars are in place, it's time to run the Freeman Spur local... We start from the basement...
Now, after the cars are in place, it's time to run the Freeman Spur local...

We start from the basement...
We have the train instructions on our clipboard.
We have the train instructions on our clipboard.
October 13. Heading down the grade after Sparta...
October 13. Heading down the grade after Sparta...
It's a pretty long train...
It's a pretty long train...
We eventually make it down to the bridge.
We eventually make it down to the bridge.
October 13. Our train crosses the bridge.
October 13. Our train crosses the bridge.
And we head towards Freeman Spur.
And we head towards Freeman Spur.
There's yet another bridge before we get to Freeman Spur.
There's yet another bridge before we get to Freeman Spur.
October 13. We pull into the left track this time... Then, it's time to think about how in the heck we're going to even do this. I'm so busy working this, that I completely forget to take more pictures. But, that's the whole idea - just have fun operating! And it WAS VERY FUN!
October 13. We pull into the left track this time...
Then, it's time to think about how in the heck we're going to even do this. I'm so busy working this, that I completely forget to take more pictures. But, that's the whole idea - just have fun operating! And it WAS VERY FUN!
October 14. Sunday is a "bit" warmer than Saturday, but rain continues to threaten. I haven't worked Overlook for awhile, so decide to do that today. The train leaves the basement...this time headed on the "left" track
October 14. Sunday is a "bit" warmer than Saturday, but rain continues to threaten.
I haven't worked Overlook for awhile, so decide to do that today.
The train leaves the basement...this time headed on the "left" track
I have the "orders" on the clipboard.
I have the "orders" on the clipboard.
October 14. The train makes progress to Overlook.
October 14. The train makes progress to Overlook.
The plants get bigger every year.
The plants get bigger every year.
Every thing just looks better!
Every thing just looks better!
October 14. Crossing the bridge on the way to Overlook.
October 14. Crossing the bridge on the way to Overlook.
We've crossed the bridge and Overlook is just ahead.
We've crossed the bridge and Overlook is just ahead.
Andy joins us after I mistakenly press the wrong button on the Revolution - and lose the link to my locomotive.
Andy joins us after I mistakenly press the wrong button on the Revolution - and lose the link to my locomotive.
October 14. The problem is soon solved and Ken and I can continue to work Overlook. We start by taking the two Coca-Cola cars off of the train to deliver to the Coke plant.
October 14. The problem is soon solved and Ken and I can continue to work Overlook. We start by taking the two Coca-Cola cars off of the train to deliver to the Coke plant.
We picked up two Coca Cola cars and we are bringing them back to a spur for temporary storage.
We picked up two Coca Cola cars and we are bringing them back to a spur for temporary storage.
We stick the two cars we picked up on a spur and continue switching.
We stick the two cars we picked up on a spur and continue switching.
October 14. We also store some boxcars on the spur.
October 14. We also store some boxcars on the spur.
Eventually we get around to dealing with the tank cars.
Eventually we get around to dealing with the tank cars.
Tank cars are swapped - the 5 cars from the train are traded with the five cars on the spur.
Tank cars are swapped - the 5 cars from the train are traded with the five cars on the spur.
October 14. Once complete, we put the caboose on the other end of the train and head back to the basement. Jean and I leave today to go visit my brother in Arkansas.
October 14. Once complete, we put the caboose on the other end of the train and head back to the basement. Jean and I leave today to go visit my brother in Arkansas.