20th Century Diversion (Part 2) Ctd...
With the "baggage" left behind, the J3 makes it's way through the yard to the tower, where it will reverse, then change direction once more on it's way to the roundhouse.
A GP9 and an RS11 look on from the roundhouse as the steamer makes it's move.
The J3 enters the approach to the roundhouse and rolls through the steam locomotive facility. The express/baggage service 0-6-0 switcher is dwarfed by the Cabforward under the tower. Purchased from the Southern Pacific for trials specifically in the tunnel heavy region of Highland, the Cabforward sees exclusive service to D&H territory to the northwest and B&M territory to the northeast, hauling mostly heavy coal trains.
Balanced on the turntable, the steamer awaits to be spun around, while a group of diesels observe, similiar to a pack of wolves watching aging prey.
With the operations office on a tight schedule, they push a pair of FL9's that have just come off duty, back into duty.
The dual-mode's run off the dock spur and stop at the yard shack for orders, before quickly going on their way.
With time being of the essence, the FL9's couple onto the train, bypassing the procedure of reversing the train. Due to there being no wye between Greenwood and Lumby, the train will run observation car-forward after the engine change in Lumby.
Stay tuned next time for the conclusion!
-Jesse-