Rules Class. . .

Before operating, our operating group gathered in the UCW crew lounge to go over the thorough rule book and timetable provided to us by lee.

The Mole. . .

Here's a view of the UCW's Mole, the hidden yard where trains are "actively staged" throughout the session by two Mole operators. They build trains according to instructions for each train they build, selecting cars and blocking them for switching on line. Inbound trains are also broken down here.

The Dispatcher. . .

Directing movement of trains across the US&S lever-type CTC board was Mike Burgett of Michigan, a CN Railway signal maintainer in "real life." Mike is a hard-core signal fanatic, so this type of installation was right up his alley. Don't get Mike mad--those dispatchers have LONG memories. . .

The CTC Board. . .

This jewel was built by Rod Loder of Salem, Oregon, using components salvaged from a machine from Union Pacific's Pocatello, Idaho, dispatching office. From top to bottom you can see the "model board" display of the territory, the levers for switches and signals, and the "send code" button near the bottom.

Lee holds court. . .

While the operating session continued smoothly, Lee joined the crew members waiting a call for an assignment in the crew lounge. The place is VERY comfortable. Lee did a fantastic job with making us all feel at home.

Coal train helper. . .

My first assignment was as a helper working out of Watercress. Here, my two-unit FT helper set prepares to leave the Helper Pocket through the "90 Hand throw" switch and be talked onto the rear of the coal train in the OS at Watercress.

Sage Hen grade. . .

The helper is into the meat of the grade as it climbs out of Crusero and through a pair of bridges. The head end of the train is in a tunnel, nearing the summit and the beginning of double track at Sage Hen, where the helper will be cut off.

Topping the summit. . .

The head end of the coal train has passed the end of two main track at Sage Hen, where a passenger train waits on the other main. Once we clear the switch, the passenger will depart, we'll cutoff, then run back to Watercress where we'll help another train.

At Hamilton. . .

A pair of UCW switchers put their shoulder into a long switching cut as they work the west end of Shasta Yard. The industrial area overhead is Hamilton, I believe.

In the hole. . .

A run-through Rio Grande coal train, which operates to the coal mines on the Tres Pinos branch, waits in the clear at Hamilton for yet another UCW merchadise train.

Soaring at Cobre. . .

A pair of SDP35 passenger locomotives head up Train 12 as it rolls above the "old main" subdivision at the end of double track at Iron Point. The location on the old main is near the station of Cobre. Don't those SDP's look great?

Over the top. . .

Operator Jim Providenza is diggin' the action as he brings a trio of Geeps over the summit at Sage Hen with an empty coal train. Behind jim is Shasta yard. This view shows the very effective use of black valances, fascia and ceiling in creating a "shadowbox" effect for the layout which is most impressive.

Shasta Shops. . .

An overall view of the UCW's main shops at Shasta. Trains enter the railroad from the mole between the shops and the flour mill.

Shasta depot

Division offices for the UCW are in the Illinois Central-inspired frame depot at Shasta.

Rio Grande influence

UCW is a mix of influences--certainly of the SP, but also of the Illinois Central in its structures and of the Rio Grande in its cabooses. This standard coupla caboose is a Rio Grande prototype. . .yet looks right at home wearing the UCW grey.