Latest track plan becomes reality

The PLR track gang (i.e. me) has been busy this summer in the track laying department. Because track switches are at a premium, the PLR's Operations Manager first decided to cannibalize a switch from Blumenthal and re-install it for an additional siding at Paradise for staging trains. Daily operations rarely required the passing siding at Blumenthal, so it has been converted to a stub track. One more siding soon followed at Paradise, providing a four-track yard, point of origin for PLR trains. The yard can also double as overflow trackage for trains arriving at Boulder Point at the other end of the line.

As this is written, track is being laid at the PLR's newest town along the route, Viterbo -- themed as a small Italian village. Though Viterbo has been "on the map" in name since the beginning, it will now enjoy its own passing siding and house track (or "team track") for spotting freight and occasional passenger cars. And, we can look forward to the Viterbo Express making short trips up the line for those wishing to spend the day in this Italianate village. The Express can now turn its train there instead of relying on the reverse loop at Boulder Point. Buon Viaggio! And welcome to the 2011 version of the Ponderosa Lines!