User:Agent c/SandboxIronBrahmin

This page is a part of the something I'm writing for fun. It should not be confused with in game content, although I'm flattered if it is.

The New California Pacific Railroad (NCPR), or more quiloqually Iron Brahmin is a corporation active in the Core Region.

Before Big Iron

At the time of the foundation of the New California Republic, Inter-town and state trade was one of the more crucial issues facing the fledgling nation. Whilst a series of caravan companies, primarily focused around water transportation, had sprung up in The Hub, these were limited services through often risky territory and did not offer any sort of passenger service. Additionally some towns within the NCR such as Junktown and Shady Sands did not have a regular caravan operation.

As the importance of Shady Sands, as capital for the nation grew, caravaning opportunities grew. The companies who had prospered in existing NCR territory expanded north to include the capital on their regular schedule, whilst other caravan companies established the "Big Circle", linking Shady Sands with northern independent towns such as Redding, Den, Modoc, Vault City, Reno and Broken Hills. However this northern route, whilst lucrative for its transport of Cattle, Gold, Labourers (Slaves), Chemicals and Uranium, faced the same problems as its older southern sister routes - Lack of Security, and sparodic operation.

The coming of the Railroads

Seeking to consolodate, and expand the republic, the NCR sought a nation building project to help unite the existing states, and promote statehood to the northern independent towns.

Drawing from the history of the former United States, the NCR looked to the Transcontinental Railroad for inspiration, and announced a land grant programme, similar to that project for companies creating a system that would link up towns with new transportation routes.

The bill was introduced by President Tandi during her last state of the union address declaring "It is not enough that we talk about or nation as one people, but ensure that we build a nation that truly is one people. Communication and transportation are essential tools in the process to bring us closer to that more perfect union we strive for."

Initial reactions were mixed. Whereas goverors for Maxson, Necropolis were neutral to positive on the proposals, reactions in the Hub, Junktown, and Dayglow were much more vocal.

Since Before the Republic, The Boneyards attempts to become a manufacturing powerhouse had been stimied through lack of transportation - all routes lead to the Hub, and any attempts to break the stranglehold of the existing big 3 Caravan companies were quickly put down. Seeing the opportunity to break this stranglehold, Boneyard governors strongly supported the plan.

Although included within the Hub State, JunkTown had for decades felt similarly under served through lack of direct links to anywhere but through the Hub. These tensions would see Mayor Darkwater (descended from one of the cities founders) refuse recognition of Hub State laws and taxes, and petition for the inclusion of Junktown as a seperate state within the NCR citing irreconcilable differences (a bid that would ultimately be successful)

In Dayglow, given its remoteness from other NCR cities the project was not seen as going far enough. Dayglow's distance had limited its economic development, and its limited economy would be unlikely to attract a private railway company - a catch 22 situation. Dayglow instead called for a nationalised company to link all towns, but was alone in this view, particularly as the nation could not afford the expense.

the Hub Concord, and Betrayal

Nowhere was the bill opposed more than in the Hub. The existing big three caravan companies only agreed on one single thing - that whatever was best for them was best for the Hub. Although Govenor and Sherrif, Clay Greene, attempted to lead a public campaign for the bill, it seemed in vain.

On X, the three caravan houses were expected to announce the formation of the Caravaner's Concord, a lobby group that would work towards defeating the bill, and should it come to pass, use their economic interests to prevent the scheme coming to pass. However, in a shock to all 5 minutes before he was supposed to appear to sign the Concord, the head of the Far Go Traders instead held an impromptu press confrence, announcing the formation of the New California Pacific RailRoad, and ownership rights of enough land to secure a station and north/south route through the Hub.

Speculation continues as to why the Far Go traders betrayed their fellow Caravaners and abandoned the Concord. Some say it was their plans all long and only feigned interest to get a jump on the competition, others suggest the presence of an NCR intelligence officer in the Far Go headquarters the day before is evidence of some governmental pressure. No matter what the true reason was though, the railroad would be built, FarGo's future was secured by the line, the Water Merchants collapsed, and the Crimson Caravan company would only just avoid Demise itself by trailblazing eastern routes.

The NCPR campaigned heavily for the bill, winning skeptical Necropolis and Dayglow support by agreeing to build a larger facility in Necropolis to support an eventual Dayglow branch line, and using this extra construction to play down Only the line to Necropolis would be built in the initial stages.

Following this, the New California Railroads Act, passed into law, supported by governors from all states (although only 1 governor from Hub would support the bill - Greene)

The Golden Spine

• Vault 15 (and service Depot / engine works)
• Rasslo Union Station (Shady Sands) (For northern lines)
• Viper Pass
• Junktown
• Brahmin Wood
• The Hub
• Greene Junction (for Necropolis, Dayglow expansion, and Eastern expansions)
• Maxson (for BOS Trading and visitors centre)
• (varous beach settlements TBA)
• Library Station (Northern Boneyard)
• Old Nest (goods only)
• Adytum Terminus (and service depot)

New California Pacific proposed an initial line within NCR territory, built in two stages. To be known as the Golden Spine (a reference to California's former title as the Golden state, and that it was to be the Spine of a greater network to come), the first stage would link the capital with the Hub, via Junktown. From the Hub, the second stage would initally head west to Maxson (for the NCR bunker and BOS trading centre) and then south to the Boneyard via the coast.

A spur to Necropolis was also planned, which was intended to eventually link to Dayglow, and possible other Eastern Frontier points as the nation expanded.

The original planned Engine works and service depot was to be at the Hub, with a smaller inspection unit at either end. However the other caravan companies, seeking to block the railroad make a concerted effort to ensure no such free land became available by pushing up property prices.

This worked in favour of California nationalist factions within the congress. Seeking to consolodate their hold on Vault 15 (and turn the Vault itself into a national monument) nationalist factions included an amendment to the bill just before its passage that would subsidise the construction of an engine works facility in the vicinty of Vault 15. Not ones to turn down free money, the Railroad accepted.

Construction

Construction initally began between Rasslo Union Station, and Vault 15 to facilitate for engine testing, staff training and engine works construction staff transport, innaugarating the first scheduled (if not public) service on X.

It was during the construction of this line that the railroad earned its popular name. A recently freed former slave tribal, laboring on the line remarked that the first locomotive he saw was like an "iron brahmin". The name stuck as first the name for that locomotive, and eventually the brand for the company itself.

Construction south was hindered by constant thefts of installed tracks. In response the Shady State congress increased sentances for railway related crimes, and authorised the NCPR to use deadly force to protect its assets.

The Railroad's expansion into Junktown was celebrated through an extended weekend proclaimed by the cities mayor. On Innaugoration of the first public service (Rasslo Station [later Rasslo Union Station] to Junktown), Junktown was the only fully completed station on the rotue (having been constructed by the town authorities as the line approached). Later Viper Pass would be added between the two as a smaller station serving local ranchers bringing cattle to market.

Within the Hub, the secured route through the town is only wide enough in parts for a single line. Although this did not initally cause too many issues except during breakdowns, increased traffic on the line in later years has turned this into a major bottleneck on the system.

From the Hub south, the line was able to benefit from using some existing track, although this did not always go where the lines would be of the most value today, this reuse saved costs in surveying, tunnelling, and in material costs where bridges and viaducts remained.

The Necropolis spur was also constructed about this time, with an oversized terminus intended to act as a beach-head for a planned long extension to Daylgow.

The size of the Boneyard warranted 3 stations, one by the Library headquarters of the Followers of the Apocalypse, a goods only station near the Gun Runners factory (old nest) and Adytum, where a service centre was also established.

Services

As the lines increased in size, services expanded with it. Public service between Vault 15 and Junktown began on X, increasing to Hub, Maxson, and the boneyard as the line became available.

Upon completion, the Unity service was first innaugated. This train would become the one of the flagship services for the line. The Unity's route would be extended in later years, and its equipment always the best available for the route.

Another service innaugated upon completion that would become a foundation for later service was the Starlight Express. A sleeper service from Shady Sands express to the Boneyard.

Today, services are split between local, and express services. Express services heading north typically call at both Adytum stations, one coastal station, Maxson, Hub, Shady Sands, and Vault 15 with most continuing north, with southern services following the same pattern in reverse. Junktown is called at by half of the express services. Local services operate between Vault 15 and Hub, calling all stations (with some services extending to Necropolis). Local services from Adytum call all stations (except Old Nest, which is only called by special trains) through to Maxson, terminating at either Hub or Necropolis.

Services south of Hub have been disrupted and limited by the Brotherhood war, as Brotherhood operatives make a point of cutting signaling lines, and on occasion attacking trains containing military assets. Due to the need to resort to token signalling, services have had to be temporarily reduced.

Passing Reno - The Vault City Line

Line as constructed

• Razlo Union Station (Shady Sands) (For Golden Spine) (expanded station)
• Vault 15 (Station rebuilt to allow for through trains)
• Broken Hills
• Vault City
• Gecko (Service Depot)

Line as operating today

• Razlo Union Station (Shady Sands) (For Golden Spine)
• Vault 15
• Jacob's Junction (no station) (for Broken Hills) - Some trains start/terminate at Broken Hills
• New Reno (interchange with Broken Hills and Oregon Line Services)
• Reno Stables (goods)
• Deadman's Junction (Broken Hills via old mainline, now occasional freight only)
• Sierra Junction (for Oregon Line)
• Vault City
• Gecko
• Skeeter's Junction (for Modoc Union Expansion)
• (service depot) and (Gecko skunkworks)

After completion of the Spine, NCPR looked north, rather than to the promised Dayglow line) for future expansion. Having driven the Water Caravans into liquidation, and the Crimson Caravans off their traditional routes, Iron Brahmin sought to do the same to the big circle. The only question left was North East, or North West. Whilst the North West option opened Redding and it's gold as an option, Iron Brahmin's planners were unsure of the value of extending to Den and Klamath, Den's Slave driven economy was of no value to the areas currently under NCR law, and whilst Klamath did have significant a food production industry, it was not thought to be big enough to be able to justify the expense. The proposed city of New Arroyo did not feature in their analysis.

An eastern route however would offer the mines at Broken Hills, a sizeable population and tourist economy in New Reno, chemical production and a reasonable population at Vault City, whilst Gecko offered techical expertise, a third market for Broken Hills' ore, and power generation opportunities. Iron Brahmin made what seemed to be the logical choice and headed North East, surveying a line through Reno and Vault City to Gecko, with a spur to Broken Hills.

However, things do not always work out as planned. Following power struggles breaking out into street warfare in New Reno, the NCPR decided not to be drawn into the cities problems and instead made Broken hills its mainline station, and suspended plans to connect the city. After watching the trains go by, the New Reno factions saw the follow in their war, and instead worked towards making Reno's streets safe. Although disagreements continued between the factions, Reno eventually joined the NCR, putting to rest any question of safety in the city. To entice NCPR back, the factions joint funded renovation of the New Reno station, and the tracks required to put Reno on the Main line, however the size of Broken hills vs Reno could not support two separate mainlines.. The tracks from Broken Hills heading South became the current spur from Jacob's Junction, whereas the line north bypassing Reno is not used in regular service, with an occasional Uranium freight train north the only user of the line - all other services head south and either continue south, or double back north through Reno.

Controversy followed the NCPR's expansion to Vault City. Although non-voting courtyard inhabitants were clearly in favour, the city itself was more split, with a faction, lead by Lynette opposing calling the NCPR the right arm of NCR expansionism. The First Vault City station was built some distance away from the city as a result, but as the economic benefits became clear a new station was built within the Courtyard area.

Gecko offered a new opportunity to the NCPR. An abundance of power and electical technicians, amongst other skills, allowed for the company to look at replacing steam power with electrical engines. Expermients on developing this technology continue within the Gecko Skunkworks, with electrification of the Vault City line underway.

Services

Services on the Oregon line begin either at Razlo Union, or Broken Hills. Unlike the Golden Spine, the lower density of stops along the route means there is less of a distinction between Local, and Express services.

Upon completion of the line, the Unity service was extended to run the full route of the Golden Spine, and the Vault City line, calling at its original stations, Reno (originally Broken Hills), Vault City and Gecko.

An additional named service, the Vault Dweller, calls on a similar pattern, but instead terminates at Necroplis after leaving the Hub.

The line is also home to the Starlight Express sleeper services, offering overnight connections from Vault City, Reno, and Razlo Union to Adyrum (and vice versa), calling only at these stations. Starlight Express coaches are assembled as the train heads south, and disassembled as the remaining train heads north.

Passengers wishing to travel North from the spine on services that do not extend beyond Vault 15 are encouraged to interchange at Vault 15 to alieviate crouds at Razlo Union station, however they are not prevented from changing services at Razlo.

The only train passing on the original mainline North from Broken Hills is a frieght only train containing Uranium for Vault City and Gecko.

After the establishment of Reno as the new mainline route services throught to Vault City, but before construction of the Oregon line services, services to Broken Hills were operated by a reconditioned pre-war Railcoach/Railbus, calling at Reno Only; the high cost of maintaing a unique vehicle has from the opening of the Oregon line seen this vehicle limited to VIP and staff transport only.

Current services to Broken Hills, beyond the northbound freight service either serve the Oregon line, or are extended Golden Spine services.

Oregon Line

• Sierra Junction (for Vault City line) (Most Trains start/terminate at Razlo Union Station)
• Redding
• Wannamango Mine (goods)
• Den
• Buckner Junction (for Modoc Union Expansion)
• Klamath
• New Arroyo

Proposed lines

Modoc Union Expansion

• (service Depot) and (geko skunkworks)
• Skeeters Junction (Joins Vault City line)
• Posssible farm access stations
• Modoc
• Posssible farm access stations
• Buckner Junction (Joins Oregon Line)

When the Vault City line was constructed, a seemingly obvious overight was any link to the farming community of Modoc, this became missing link in the former big circle caravan route after construction began on the Oregon Line.

This caused particular friction during the Modoc Ascention Negociations, the NCPR had not seen enough financial incentive to connect Modoc, even though the foodstuffs produced in the town were desperately needed in the south. NCR Negociators were forced to promise to subsidise construction of the Modoc Union expansion, and its subsiqent traffic, in order to convince NCPR to connect Modoc, and thus ensure Modoc's place within the NCR.

Named Trains

Much like in the original golden age of Rail, The NCPR names certain notable trains/journeys

• The Starlight Express
• The Vault Dweller
• Unity
• The Tribal Warrior

Other Interests

Far Go Caravan Company

The original majority owner of the company was eventually absorbed into Iron Brahmin proper. The brand is still used for smaller caravan routes that connect into Iron Brahmin stations, and intermodal transport solutions.

California Telephone and Telegraph

A natural requirement for any railroad is the ability to signal trains to avoid collisions. Stations and remote signals require information on traffic placement in order to direct trains correctly - meaning some sort of communication system ahead of trains is essential, however most of the time these lines remain free of Railway communications... Seeing an opportunity Iron Brahmin formed the California Telephone and Telegraph (CT&T) company to monetize these links.

Although telegraphy services are now available at every Iron Brahmin station and is profitable, CT&T is showing the signs of having limited capital available to it. Its attempts at creating a telephone network remain fledgling, lines are available but at an extraordinarily high price with a long lead time, and CT&T makes little effort to promote these services except to government. CT&T has a limited engineering staff, so faults to all but trunk lines (also used for railway signalling) often take some time to resolve.

Although all lines are issued with a "National Number" to support automated switching in the future, limited trunk lines and capacity means that automated dialing is only available for local calls, all trunk (long distance) calls must be routed through an operator are required to be prebooked. Public phones are available to make and recieve calls at all stations, and the telegraph service can be used to arrange times between both parties.

Due to the Brotherhood/NCR conflict, Long Distance phone service to Maxson and the Boneyard is currently suspended, with Telegraphs instead routed via mail.

Area/Exchange Codes

South (01X)

Shady State - 011

JunkTown - 012

Hub - 013

Necropolis - 014

Maxson - 015 (Service suspended)

LA Boneyard - 016 (Service suspended)

North (02X)

New Reno and Broken Hills (021)

Vault City and Gecko (022)

Redding (023)

Den (024)

Klamath (025)

New Arroyo (026)

Special (03)

NCPR/CTT services (03)

Emergency services (911) (where available/provided)