The chief engineer of the PRR Middle Division in HO Scaleis pleased to submit its quarterly progress report. The full status report is available here.
During the first quarter, through trackage was activated on Lewistown (LN) and Lewistown (XA), completing the line from the main line at Lewistown Junction all the way through to Milroy.
Extensive progress is being made on the lower yard at Lewistown Junction. The west throat is complete (see above) and the service track will soon be completed through the east end.
Ballasting and other beautification projects [scenery] are underway at numerous locations and will continue throughout the year.
The signalling department is busy at work configuring a US&S Model 500 series interlocking machine for LEWIS. [LEWIS actually had a Model 14, but the 500s are cool!) Unlike previous experiences with JMRI PanelPro, the current effort holds all changes until the code button is pressed, features true interlocking features, and acts very similar to the prototype.
Finally, an inspection train [open house] is planned for Sunday, May 21st. This will be part of a greater, private tour in conjunction with the 2017 annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society (PRRT&HS), but the PRR Middle Division in HO Scale will be open to the public. More details will be announced as the date approaches.
