P.C.C.M. 47F Elkhart to Blue Island

Welcome to the 6th installment of P.C.C.M. 47. When we last saw our block of cars, it was leaving West Mill, New York on train WMV-5. After a short delay to allow a classic B&O/C&O cab powered coal train pass, our block of cars were on their way to Selkirk.

From Selkirk the cars were blocked and sent on train BC-1 to Elkhart, Indiana. The train was delayed due to hazardous weather conditions in Ohio and Eastern Indiana. High winds and tornadic thunderstorms were hindering trains both East and Westbound. Slightly delayed, BC-1 arrives in Elkhart. The Elkhart shop crew already has the power ready for the trip West to Chicago.

A quick recap of the West Mill block of cars and their final destinations.

First car is a Penn Central Hi-Cube boxcar, loaded with Peerless appliances from Mayfield, New York. It's headed to the Lefty Martin Appliance Warehouse in Denver, Colorado. Peerless appliances are gaining a strong following in the Mile High City. Their value pricing and durable construction are big sellers with the local consumers. Lefty Martin is the exclusive distributor in the region.

Our next car is a Burlington gondola loaded with shredded aluminum from Sal's Salvage in West Mill, New York. Sal got a great deal on some World War II vintage surplus aircraft and was able to use his auto shredding equipment to make scrap aluminum. Ball Container in Golden, Colorado is working on recyclable aluminum beverage containers to replace the bulky and heavy steel ones currently in use. Ball hopes the idea will catch on and there will be less waste being sent to the landfills. Sal and his crew are already aware of the benefits of recycled metal products.

Another West Mill company shipping to the Centennial State is GERN Industries. A new GERN distribution center recently opened in Arvada, Colorado. The GERN cement flux produced in West Mill will make construction projects 3% better overall.

From the KP&W Mountain Branch to Bloomberg, New York, we have a covered hopper of cattle feed from Agway. Lots of hungry cattle at the Denver Union Stockyards waiting for some tasty feed.

Our final car in the block includes a shipment of Zenith TV's from Bloomberg, New York. They are headed to Lefty Martin Appliance Warehouse in Denver, Colorado. Lefty is planning some big sales to help move the new merchandise.

Lets take a look at the power for train LS-21 from Elkhart to the Rock Island Yard at Blue Island, Illinois. Here's a custom painted Athearn F7A. It's in the late maroon "speed lettering" scheme.

Next in line is a Athearn Blue Box F7B also in the late maroon speed lettering scheme.

Another speed lettering maroon painted Athearn Blue Box F7B. All of the Rock Island units were gifts from my train buddy Jeff Miles. Jeff was an Engineer for the Santa Fe and several short lines. He was a big member of the Rock Island Technical Society, where we first met. Jeff passed away not long after he gave me these units. A little P.C.C.M. tribute to "Engineer Jeff".

The final unit of the lashup headed to Blue Island is Penn Central F7A 1707. The Rock Island owes the PC some pool power hours. Thus the reason for the mostly Rock Island power on this run.

Some more classic cab units waiting for assignments at Elkhart. PC F7A #1743.

Another classic PC cab unit, F7B #3439. Ready to head out on the next train East.

Penn Central FP7A #4362 gets some attention at the Elkhart engine house.

Penn Central F7A #1844 idles as it waits for the next assignment East.

Former Rio Grande F7A, PC#1878 gets some service at the Elkhart engine house. One of the few dual headlight cab units on the Penn Central. Next installment we'll catch up with our block of cars in Denver at the Rio Grande's North Yard. Thanks for reading!!!