Rogerpete, what a great sounding project! I'm modeling general operations in the Pgh area, so I like the very specific focus of your project. I wonder where the cane sugar came from and how it got there? Perhaps via the port of NY, then train? (Florida ports?) I know that during WWII some food stuffs came and went from Pittsburgh to New Orleans by Dravo/Union Barge tug boats on the Mississippi River, and I am interested in the intersection between rail and those boats. Hence, your mention of cane sugar caught my attention. Clearly it wasn't hauled in from Ohio farm, so where did it come from? And, your scenario will include the coal shipments as well.
Will you have empties for the milkcars? In other words, did a turnaround trip require that the plant have two of each car - one to deliver and the other to move out the next day while the first one was cleaned? You are lucky to have a resource to describe the process to you -- especially one with a three generation connection to the plant. Please keep us posted -- and especially if you have Andre help on the structure! What a treat that would be.
Do you have photos of the plant to share?
Tomlinson Run Railroad
