Big ALcos Pulling and Pushing

Greetings All,

More Alcos are coming!!! 

Part 3 of the 3 part series

The Penn Central six axle ALcos working the rails of the NYCTL have been joined by two more C628s to the delight of  local railfans and to the chagrin of our track foreman. Seems these big Alcos developed quite the reputation for being very tough on the rails on some railroads but were welcomed with open arms by others like the C&NW. Whatever the case these big units are earning their keep on the NYCTL.

Much to the delight of 1/87th scale Big Mike the new C628s are from PC subsidiary Lehigh Valley. Below the LV C628s #630 & #631 in the 'snowbird scheme' are pulling an inbound train over the Empire City viaduct behind PC C628 #6304. 

The C628s are on the High Line heading towards Bedford Tower and ultimately Terminal Yard.

To no one's surprise 1/87th scale Big Mike is awaiting the arrival of these two Lehigh Valley monsters at the Terminal Yard entrance.

The LV units are now in the engine terminal and 1/87th scale Big Mike is thanking 1/87th scale senior engineer Sir Neal for sending these two LV units to the NYCTL.

Meanwhile over at Bedford Tower another trio of big ALcos are making their way to Terminal Yard behind C630 #6324 

The 6324 joins the other newly assigned ALcos at the Terminal Yard engine facility and 1/87th scale John B has come over to check out his favorite PC ALco.

With six big ALcos in the yard and a lot of coal to be moved 1/87th scale senior engineer Sir Neal comes up with a plan to qualify everyone on these big units with AT JOE and John B to get some seat time on the lead engines. 

1/87th scale PC Ralph will qualify for helper service in the LV units under the tutelage of Big Mike while conductor John and the rear brakeman will bravely ride the caboose.  

The four lead units are pulling hard over the High Line

52 cars back the helper engines are shoving hard against the LV caboose. That's right. 50 loaded coal hoppers and two cabooses!

Check out these big Alcos in action and on the Unit Coal Train.

For the record I ran the 50 car unit coal train with helpers on the layout for several days without a single issue. While the C628s are definitely older models with their large handrails etc I really enjoy seeing them running in consists on the layout. The two LV units will remain in their snowbird scheme. 

Thanks go to 1:1 Sir Neal and John Bruce for making all of this possible. Thank you very very much guys!!!

Thanks for reading and watching!!!

Next up will be P.C.C.M. 59
coming out on Friday Night March 8th.

See Ya Soon.