I'm pleased to report that SCRM now has active protection at our US 321 crossing. The first train, a charter trip for the SC Clerks to Council Association (our local County Clerk is President), went through the crossing this morning (Thursday 10/26/06). I had to work so I couldn't be there, but I understand it went well.

To you, it's just a crossing. To me, it's something I never thought I'd ever see. It's also something I'm very GLAD to see because I've had to jump out of the way of people who didn't think a guy in an orange vest in the middle of the road holding a stop sign applied to them. US 321 is a major four-lane, divided highway at the point where we cross it, with significant traffic. Crossing protection that isn't on feet is a real milestone for us.

The money for the crossing gates and cantilever flashers came from a Rural Infrastructure grant obtained by Fairfield County, and is part of a major upgrade of the first mile of our railroad because of a freight customer (Guardian Fiberglass) locating on the line. Norfolk Southern will be providing the freight service -- essentially they get the railroad during the week and we get it on weekends. My butt still hurts a bit from that deal, but we did get the crossing gates and some maintenance money out of it so I can't complain too much.

The other track upgrade work is almost finished -- just a few nits to pick before we release the contractor. We now have at least 100# rail almost all the way to MP 2 (some was already in, the last 85# was replaced as part of this upgrade). We got about a half-mile of new ties, too. The switch and double-point derail going into the plant is in, and as of last Saturday it looked as if about a third of the track was built in the plant. The fiberglass bat insulation factory is supposed to come online about the first of the year. NS will be delivering covered hoppers -- not sure if they'll be sand, potash, or both, what I've heard on that is contradictory.

This Saturday is Members Day, our annual cookout party. We'll be running two trains with photo stops, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Rides and lunch are free to members and memberships will be available. If you're going to be in the area, please stop by. You can see 90% of the work from the highway and train ride, just a little in the plant that can't be seen.