The Pole Poll

[ValorStorm]

The blinking effect of a distant locomotive headlight through the code line poles along US30 in Nebraska only hightened the rail fan experience when I was a kid. Now the poles, some perhaps 100 years old, seem to get in the way of good photography. I hate to see them go. What about you?

[IRONROOSTER]

I didn't realize this was going on, but it makes sense with radios and cell phones. I'm sure it eliminates alot of maintenance expense. For me they never were part of the railfan experieince. What I really miss are the cabooses on the end of every train. Somehow the train doesn't seem finished without it.
Enjoy
Paul

[underworld]

It does make sense but what happens when the "tech" breaks down?????
No communication.

underworld

[Hugh Jampton]

I went back home a few years ago and rejoiced that they had put the wires underground. Now, if they could only do something about those electrification masts.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by underworld

It does make sense but what happens when the "tech" breaks down?????
No communication.

underworld

Most signal people will tell you they're happy to see them go. They break down a lot more than the "tech", especially as they age.

[Anonymous]

I never noticed.

[richardy]

Theft of the wire is a big problem which takes down the signals. The coded track circuit systems and the radio data links to control points today are very reliable and less maintenance headache then the pole line. Data communication speeds to and from the control point are much faster by radio then by pole line resulting in much faster commands to the field and confirmation to very busy CTC dispatchers. Communication with a train does not depend on the pole line any longer since two-way radio and now cell phones. The pole line is something whose time has passed.

Richard

[Anonymous]

I know what you are talking about. West of Missoula Montana, along the higway, those darn wires made my F45 shot much tougher. I wi***hey werent there, but that is only from the ameture photographer's point if view.

[csmith9474]

I believe it is a part of the history of the ROW. I have read several articles and seen many pics in regards to the life a railroad lineman. There are some really interesting stories. I myself have spent many days hooking poles so it is especially sentimental to me. I could just imagine jumping off my M-19 with a pair of hooks on and hiking poles. Ah, the life.........

But we must move on. A lot of these poles are rotten and pose a safety hazard. I wished I could get my hands on all the copper that is coming down!

[PBenham]

QUOTE: Originally posted by csmith9474

I believe it is a part of the history of the ROW. I have read several articles and seen many pics in regards to the life a railroad lineman. There are some really interesting stories. I myself have spent many days hooking poles so it is especially sentimental to me. I could just imagine jumping off my M-19 with a pair of hooks on and hiking poles. Ah, the life.........

But we must move on. A lot of these poles are rotten and pose a safety hazard. I wished I could get my hands on all the copper that is coming down!

I agree with you on this. It'll be better without the polelines. There's less to maintain at remote locations and fewer chances for the weather to knock out communications and signals. Now, some relays can be hard to get at, but intelligent locating can save a lot of problems later. Needless to say most railroads ain't run by Rhodes scholars! But, that is NOT always bad..per say.[:p]

[jeffhergert]

A main line without the communication/signal lines looks bare.
Can't stop progress.
Jeff

[red p]

well, some of our engines dont have foot counters. So we would count poles to know distance.If you were going to make a stop and try stay off of crossings or if you wanted to know when your rear end cleared a slow order, ect.
Poles are 100 feet apart (so a 5000 foot train would be 50 poles). which is 2 car lengths.
P

[chad thomas]

Well I like the pole lines and think they add charachter to the scene. Unfortunately they seem to always reside on the sunny side of the tracks and have the tendancy to restrict photo angles. Therefore I don't think I will miss them when tey are gone.

[BigJim]

QUOTE: So we would count poles to know distance. Poles are 100 feet apart (so a 5000 foot train would be 50 poles). which is 2 car lengths.

Here on the N&W there were 40 poles to the mile making it easy to check your speed.

QUOTE: those darn wires made my F45 shot much tougher.

The things we have to go through to appease the railfans!

[trainboyH16-44]

I saw the UP from highway 30 earlier this year, and I must say that the poles really made photography hard, just like Chris said! But here on the CP line, I am definitely going to miss them, they really added something. I tell you, there really is a mystique to this area..