The Hoschton Railway Company (HRC) is pleased to announce a major expansion to it's New York Central fleet.    These acquisitions were recently acquired at a local train show on Saturday 8/27.  Although the HRC prides itself on being inclusive of many road names, focus has primarily been focused on the PRR.  A change in long range plans by the HRC's CEO, focus has been redirected to the acquisition of additional NYC rolling stock.

First up for review is a set of Williams NYC Sharknose ABA set.  Although each unit requires some TLC, the crack HRC maintenance team will have these locos returned to operational status in a short timeframe.   The B unit is a mismatch and no decision has yet been made regarding it's future status.  The 1st thing that needs to be done is to give all 3 of these a shot of dullcoat to eliminate the super shiny finish on them.

Next up are 1 of  the 3  NYC Two-Bay Hoppers. All 3 are "new" old stock. 

A great find were some Mattel Hot Wheels cars that fit perfectly into my auto carriers.  First shipment are all American muscle cars.

Admittedly the next acquisition was more of a "cool to have" purchase than a practical one.  It is a new Lionel LIRR Jordon Spreader. It is quite comforting to know that should a major blizzard ever hit the HRC's northern Georgia territory, we will be prepared.






























                                          

Much of the HRC's rails run through much of  North Georgia's Mountainous Region.  Unfortunately accidents are a reality.  for which we are always looking for ways to increase our response capabilities to restore service as quickly as possible. The purchase of an  NYC American Crane Car will substantially add to the HRC's rapid response capabilities. This addition will also greatly reduce our exorbitant  rental expenses for emergency equipment from a certain railroad located just south of the HRC.

HRC has received notice from a yet to be named major International Conglomerate that they will be constructing a state of the art oil and chemical facility.  The plant will be located in HRC's north western corridor.  The company is hoping to begin construction in late spring 2017 and will take a minimum of 10 months to complete.    Permitting by the federal and state EPA's has been put on hold because of delays in completing no less than19 required environmental impact studies.   Current HRC planning calls for a 50% increase in single and double dome tanker to handle the new business.   This is the first car purchased as part of that expansion plan.  Built by the K-Line Corporation this car represents one of their top of the line offerings.

Also purchased were 5 bargain basement flatcars. All of these cars will be restored and relettered in the HRC colors.

Although this show was great it was not as great as it could have been.  John and I have teamed up for a couple of the last few shows but he was unable to attend this one.  The only thing better than spending money on trains is watching someone else spending money on trains.

Thanks,
EE

HRC construction projects temporarily halted

Due to the disability of the HRC's key construction guy, all progress on current projects have all but ceased.  One new item that has been delivered and installed is the American Power and Light Plant.   This building was manufactured by Menard's out of Wisconsin.  For those unfamiliar with Menard's, they are basically a Home Depot on steroids.

  A family owned and operated business, 1 of the family members was an 0-gauge railroader.  He is the person behind Menard's entry into the 0-gauge market.  They are currently producing high quality freight cars, die cast and structures at a price substantially lower than all the other manufactures. This is their American Power and Light Plant






The next building is still under construction.  It is a scratch built structure using foam board and card stock.  It will become one of HRC's locomotive maintenance and paint facilities.
Progress on this building is currently on hold until the return of HRC's most magnificent construction supervisor.   Remaining details include adding windows  on 3 sides,  exterior lighting on 4 sides, interior details and adding additional roof details. It is anticipated that HRC's world famous construction chief will return to work in the next couple of weeks and progress can commence on the multitude of current projects.

Hoschton Railway Company Industrial Diversification Begins

Hoschton Railway Company is pleased to announce the initial expansion of its operations serving commercial industries located in the greater downtown area of Hoschton.   While HRC's sole focus on Scenic Railway operations has proven quite profitable over the years, ever increasing competition has necessitated an expansion of operations to servicing commercial industries. This competition is coming from other local railroads and specifically the NYCTL -  a very large, well funded, locally owned and operated railroad.   

Installation of the required switches and sidings for the first  two industries has been completed and services have begun..

The largest of the 2 industries is a number of lumber and lumber related companies.  It is anticipated that service to this area will generate a  constant and substantial revenue stream for HRC much to the dismay of the NYCTL  which as long coveted in roads to this area's  industries.

The 2nd industry is a small dry goods industry.  Analysts predict sustained growth for this industry.  While initial service to this company will yield negative revenue, the long term prospects indicate an ever increasing revenue stream for HRC.

Lastly the HR department has reported that health insurance rates will be substantially higher for 2016.  The increase is due to a high claim rate from the predominately Irish construction employees for alcohol rehabilitation services and alcohol related injuries. An earlier effort by HRC management to shut down  Flannigan's  Pig and Whistle Beer Emporium (the establishment favored by the crews) failed when construction crews walked off the job and barricaded themselves in Flannigan's for a period of 10 days. Only after prolonged negotiations with crew leader Patrick McGillicuddy was an agreement reached and those crew members (who were able)  returned to work.

Installation begins on the HRC's Locomotive Transfer Facility.

After 2 days of long hours and hard work, installation of the Locomotive Transfer Table has been partly completed.  Installation took place on land recently acquired by the Hoschton Railway Co. in an area separating the HRC's Eastern and Western divisions.

This acquisition is part of a larger infrastructure expansion which will provide HRC with enhanced efficiencies in the overall maintenance and routing of the vast array of HRC motive power.  A new locomotive repair and paint facility located at the north end of the facility is scheduled for completion in spring 2016.  Components of the transfer table were acquired over a period of time from areas as far away as Florida and New Jersey.

It is anticipated that wring for the facility will begin in the next few days followed by connection and testing of all required switching and rail components.

Scenic details for  the transfer table will begin upon completion of the maintenance facility.

As you may know, the HRC has been experiencing prolonged and exasperating productivity issues  with it's construction crew comprised primarily of  seasoned,  long overdue for retirement,  Irish employees.  As is typically  the case issues have again surfaced involving the crew's use and abuse of  alcohol resulting in substantial lost productivity, accidents and delays and legal expenses.   While completion of the transfer and maintenance facility is planned for spring 2016,  experience indicates a more realistic completion date closer to spring 2017.

Cable Retension System - Completed

After a long break for the Christmas Holidays work has once again resumed on capital improvement projects on the Hoschton Railway Company (HRC).

The first project of the new year was to complete construction of cable retention system for the 2 upper main lines, both of which pass dangerously close to the edge in a number of places.   The final 4 sections were completed so this project can get checked off the project list.   While unwilling to test the cable system, it is hoped that it is strong enough to prevent future catastrophic accidents preventing an engine from flying off the rails and down the mountainside to the waiting concrete floor. At a minimum the cables look good.