 |
John Bauer took
time to pose for the photographer during the third session.
John was kind enough to repeat his role as the St. Croix Agent.
The agent tracks of all of the cars that have been
spotted/off-spotted to industries; as well as, cars that are ready to be
picked up by the Local. The agent is also responsible for filling
empty car requests from the various shippers on his territory. It is
very important that the agent and the Yard Master communicate regularly
(that is the reason that the desks are only 10 feet apart). |
Harold Krewer tried his hand as the
St. Croix dispatcher on duty, which includes the First District, Grieff
District and the Peoria District. The dispatcher's office is located
in Beardstown on the Illinois Division. Harold is very good at
dispatching trains. He utilized his past experience on other model
railroads to keep freight and passenger trains moving.
|
 |
 |
Chris Vanko
covered the Operator's position for this session. This was his first
job on the St. Croix. Although Chris is a wearing a big smile, I believe the
dispatcher kept him pretty busy writing train orders and clearances. |
Lloyd Rinehart (St. Croix's 1st/2nd
Session DS) and Eric Roman appear to
be solving another switching problem at Nowers. Not sure which guy
was running the yard engine, though. Tom Casper
appears to be in his "happy place" (or he was waiting on some
kind of decision). |
 |
 |
At Kosich Yard, J.
N. Ozanich, continued his role as Yard Foremen working the
north end of the yard at
Beardstown. Jack's experience as a 1:1 locomotive engineer kept the yard
fluid (that, and the fact that there wasn't much freight traffic to be
switched the first few sessions!).
The yard crew at Kosich is responsible for switching
Beardstown industries. The yard crew also has to take on the role of
engine hostlers and keep track of locomotive serviceability. Currently
there are transfers to and from the B&O and the CB&Q railroads at Kosich
Yard. Shortly, the B&O passenger train from Springfield, IL, will be
added to the mix.
|
Andy Sperandeo repeated his role as Yard Master
for the third session. As mentioned before, the St. Croix Yard Master is responsible for yard operations at Nowers and Kosich Yard. He
has to keep track of cars that are be set out or picked up; and, is also
responsible for building the Peoria freight local, the Galesburg City Job,
the B&O/CB&Q transfers, and the handling of interchange with the Santa Fe Ry.
Periodically, the Yard Master is required to "walk" the tracks to update
his yard lists. |
|
 |
Paul Schulz appears to be happy that he completed, yet,
another train trip without mishap (<VBG>). Seriously, Paul is a
long-time veteran (1995)of St. Croix construction. Paul has assisted in
construction of the lower deck; and, the rebuilding of the entire upper
deck. |
This session was Jim Miller's first time to
operate on the St. Croix. Jim lives in Stevens Point, Wisconsin; but
his heart still belongs to the Chicagoland area, where he first noticed
trains. |
 |
 |
This session was also the first time Eric
Mumper operated on the St. Croix. Eric has visited the railroad
several times before operating sessions began in June, 2010.
Probably thought that he would never see the day when the St. Croix ran. |
Fiddle Yard Master Kosic appears to have
dropped some way bills; or, we caught him praying to the freight car
cabinet (hope he didn't hit his head!). Bob is another veteran of
St. Croix construction. Among his many abilities is turnout
construction, building an ABS signal system, installing DCC systems, and
too many other items to mention. He has worked on the St. Croix
since 1995. |
 |