Re: new Loop projects scheduled for winter season ... (revised)

There was something on another thread about a Mr. PooppinJay* who was going to run off Behrens & Bell and take over operations from RailScar* (TrackAssteroid?). If this should occur, then this winter's obvious priorities would be:

1) Replace the track with heavier rail, concrete ties and properly-regulated ballast. (Mr. PooppinJay* is apparently an expert on this, and VERY fussy about it.)

2) Obtain new, more powerful locomotives capable of handling longer, heavier trains - but which can still negotiate the sharp curves and tight clearances of the Loop - see illustration, below.

3) Replace the aging, decrepit and dangeous pin-truss bridge** with a new concrete-arch span designed to last several millennia. Since safety is a major concern here, cost is no object. A no-bid contract will be issued to Helliburton* subsidiary PooppinJay, Inc.*

4) Rebuild the Argentine Central branch, in order to provide suitable employment for shay locomotives previously in operation at Loop. (Same contractor as #3, above.)

5) If any funds remain after #3 & #4, above, then complete the (Hall?) tunnel and the extension to Breckenridge, so as to enable easier locomotive exchange when necessary. (Same contractor as #3 & #4, above.)

6) And (I almost forgot) - a Ms. Condi-Google-Eyes IV*, formerly of the La-di-Dado Histerical Society, is insisting that all passenger coaches be repainted in a florescent pink color so as to better attract attention - and riders - from I-70.

Note: All of the above - except #2 - are subject to delay, as negotiations are currently underway for the filming of a major motion picture on location in Georgianatown. (See [ngdiscussion.net].)


Prototype of new Meyer-Garratt compound 2-8-0+2-6-0 locomotives proposed for use on Loop may cross Mason-Kitson line. (If at first you don't secede then try, try again.) Note correct orientation of boiler to front of locomotive, a distinct improvement over earlier design, moving of air pumps to front of smokebox, and addition of fourth pair of drivers to lead engine to better distribute weight of boiler. The latter is especially important if item #1, above - replacement of track with 141# rail and concrete ties - is not accomplished in a timely manner. Although these engines are compounds, the 2nd stack - on the fuel bunker - is still needed, as they will be run in simple mode when starting a heavy train.



* All names are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons or corporations, living or dead, is purely coincidental. All parties, including lyricists and scriptwriters, are considered innocent until convicted in a court of law.

** "Danger, Danger Will Robinson" - I feel another song coming on: 'The Pin-Truss Bridge Just Ain't What She Used To Be, Ain't What She Used To Be ... '



Edited 16 time(s). Last edit at 10/09/2009 08:26PM by Russo Loco.