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Where is my auto carrier - help needed!

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Where is my auto carrier - help needed!
Posted by mobilman44 on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 7:22 AM

Hi,

I posted this on the Trains forum, but as I am a long time regular here, I thought some may find this of interest, and perhaps help me out...........

I ordered a new Ford from the Lousiville plant, and it was loaded on car carrier ATSF089118, and shipped out on 8/3.  It went from CSX to the UP, and I heard from my dealer that on 8/9 it suffered "mechanical failure" at Armourdal, Kansas.

Can anyone find out if it is back in transit, and/or what kind of problems it incurred (hopefully not a wreck), and the projected date to arrive in the Houston area.

Thank you all so much, I really appreciate your help!

ENJOY  !

 

Mobilman44

 

Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central 

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Posted by rrinker on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 7:29 AM

 No news of a train wreck there - there was one on Jan 15th though. There's a UP yard there, so likely the car was BO'd at the yard for some mechanical defect, not involved in a wreck.

                         --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

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Posted by dehusman on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 8:00 AM

If you car is bad order in Kansas City on the UP, get on I 45, drive north to Dallas, take I-30 to I-35E.  Take I-35E north to I-35.  Take I-35 north to Kansas City.  Exit on US169 North.  When you go on the bridge over the railroad yard just before I-670, look to the east and your car will be down there in the RIP track.  Depending on the defect it normally takes something in the order of a couple days to repair a car.  I wouldn't be too worried.  KC is a huge auto rack hub on the UP, if anybody knows how to fix an autorack car, it would be those guys.

Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 8:44 AM

Mobilman .... I would think the orignal source of your information could check again with the railroad to find out where the car is. .... I hope you enjoy your new vehicle. 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by mobilman44 on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 8:58 AM

The original source of my info is seriously busy this week, and frankly I'm surprised I got the info I posted.  Apparently this info came from a Ford site that "few" have access to.  

 

ENJOY  !

 

Mobilman44

 

Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central 

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Posted by ALEX WARSHAL on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 9:26 AM
Hello, my dad works for Ford and I could ask him what this means, even though this isn't his specialty. It could be that your car and not the railcar suffered mechanical failure. Keep Buying American. -Alex Warshal

My Layout Photos- http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/ajwarshal/library/

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Posted by Soo Line fan on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 10:24 AM

Thank you for purchasing your vehicle from a  American owned company. The selling dealer has a responsibility to inspect the vehicle for any signs of transportation damage. However, occasionally things are missed. Be aware you have 7 days after the warranty start date to report any preexisting damage (dents scratches etc) to the dealer and have a repair order written. This is done as a courtesy in case it is missed during carrier drop off.

So enjoy your new car but look it over before the 7 days are up.

Jim

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Posted by dehusman on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 10:32 AM

Its not the vehicle and he already knows exactly where the railcar is.

Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com

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Posted by EMD.Don on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 11:53 AM

I am sure the Ford dealer you purchased it from can provide you with an ETA for when your vehicle will be ready for you to pick it up (mine was able to). Aside from that there probably isn't much else that you can do but play the waiting game.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that both engines have failed, and we will be stuck here for some time. The good news is that you decided to take the train and not fly."

N Scale Railroader.
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Posted by mlehman on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 12:45 PM

Assembled autos are normally a fairly "hot" load for the RR, so I would not expect much delay assuming a BO railcar. They'll get it fixed and back out on the line pretty quick, I imagine.

Mike Lehman

Urbana, IL

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Posted by Heartland Division CB&Q on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 2:33 PM

mlehman

Assembled autos are normally a fairly "hot" load for the RR, so I would not expect much delay assuming a BO railcar. They'll get it fixed and back out on the line pretty quick, I imagine.

 

 

This is true. Also the auto racks are very expensive. The hourly cost of them induces the railroads to keep them moving. 

GARRY

HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR

EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU

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Posted by mobilman44 on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 2:35 PM

A fellow on the TRAINS forum suggested I call the UPRR, as in a sense I am a customer.  

So I called them (customer service) and the fellow was very cooperative.   He punched in the car number and determined it was on the repair track as of 3:30 this morning.  And, it was not involved in any accident.

He added that UP values the auto carry business very highly, and will do their best to get the car quickly back in service.  He could not tell the exact problem, but indicated it was apparently something to do with the trucks.

Got to say, I really appreciate the suggestion to call the railroad, and a big thank you to UP for not brushing me off!

ENJOY  !

 

Mobilman44

 

Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central 

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Posted by mlehman on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 2:42 PM

Never been a fan of Uncle Pete, but their stock just doubled in value in my mind's eye.

Mike Lehman

Urbana, IL

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Posted by maxman on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 5:09 PM

mobilman44
He could not tell the exact problem, but indicated it was apparently something to do with the trucks.

Maybe the 2-56 screw fell out and they're looking for a replacement.

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Posted by ricktrains4824 on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 8:25 PM

Nah.... The plastic wheelset got cracked, so they were purchasing new ones from Intermountain, and were waiting for the LHS order to come in.... Laugh

More than likely either a stuck brake, or hot-box on it. (Or, the stuck brake caused the hot-box detector to activate.... I have heard one do that not far from me... Other than burning up the brakes, no real danger while moving, but stopping might cause some issues.)

Ricky W.

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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 10:30 PM

I just bought a new FORD a few weeks ago - but I found one on the lot with the features and equipment I wanted:

 " target="">

 " target="">

Hope yours shows up soon.....

Sheldon

    

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Posted by Santa Fe all the way! on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 3:10 AM
That is a sweet new truck Sheldon!
Come on CMW, make a '41-'46 Chevy school bus!
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Posted by zstripe on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 5:33 AM

Off Topic

Sheldon,

Yes, it is a nice truck.

I would rather have My 54 Sedan though. Looks like it has a lot more room it is also.....Still kicking Myself in the butt, for selling it.

Take Care! Big Smile

Frank

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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 6:34 AM

Thanks to all for the kind words, this truck replaced a 15 year old FORD F150 which served me very well.

Frank, that 54 looks really sweet. I was into the older cars years ago, but no "hobby" cars in a while now.

When I was young, I learned to drive on a Checker. My father bought a new Checker is 1969, much like this one:

 " target="">

Between us, we owned four of them in the 70's and early eighties - really great cars and tons of room.

Today my wife drives the closest thing there is to a Checker Station Wagon - the FORD FLEX:

 " target="">

And it really is one of the best driving cars I have every owned - nearly as roomy as the Checker.

Sheldon

    

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Posted by dehusman on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 8:05 AM

Still on the RIP.

Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com

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Posted by BATMAN on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 3:28 PM

 

OOOOOHHHHH Sheldon. You have me drooling!Dinner

My 2001 F 350 arrived in September of 2000. It has been a great truck and has taken my son and I to some very remote locations over roads that shouldn't really be called roads. It still runs great although hauling my 7700 LB trailer through those mountain passes is starting to slow it down a bit.

As soon as my kids are through their Hoity Toity private school in four years there will be a new truck and BMW Roadster in the driveway. ( I hope)Laugh

Last year while camping in Oregon this guy rolled into the campsite across from us. His truck was identical to mine in every way except his was an F-250 while mine was an F-350. His truck was made in Ontario  and he was from Ohio. I am from British Columbia and mine was made at the Kentucky truck plant. We got a chuckle out of that. I think your Flex is also made in Ontario. I know two people that own the Flex and they love them.

This pic was taken on July 25 of this year. Two great Diesels.Laugh

Brent

"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."

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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 11:13 PM

Brent,

We have been driving FORDS here for more than two decades and have owned a several built in Ontario - several Crown Victorias and the FLEX. We love the FLEX, truely a great vehicle.

For what you use your truck for, you need the diesel. I don't really do any towing to speak of, so I stayed with the F250 and the 6.2 gas engine.

The new transmission is really cool - 6 speeds, fully selectable, manual shift feature, several shift pattern settings.

For me the necessary features are the 4x4, extended cab and 8' bed combination.

Yes it is very nice and I am very happy with it.

As for a BMW roadster, well that's not my thing, but I'm sure you will have fun with it.

Never did like "sports cars", prefered Detroit mussle cars back in the day, had a 1963 Nova SS convertible and a few others.

I was shop foreman in a BWM store for a while, got to drive a bunch of them, including and 850 and one of the first 740 models years ago.

Actually, our FLEX is an Eccoboost LIMITED, 360 HP, 3.5 twin turbo, 20" wheels, paddle shifters, dual exhaust - faster than a lot of cars some people think are fast.....it is mostly the same drive line as the Taurus SHO - only difference is the final drive ratio because the FLEX is heavier.

Take care,

Sheldon

    

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Posted by ho modern modeler on Thursday, August 13, 2015 12:07 PM

Awesome 1:1 scale thread.....my favorite scale!

Mine doesn't move.......it's at the station!!!

 

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Posted by dehusman on Thursday, August 13, 2015 3:15 PM

Your auto rack has been repaired.

Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com

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Posted by zstripe on Thursday, August 13, 2015 7:42 PM

ATSF089118 had BO. trucks, was repaired at 18 st.KS, Armourdal KS, has no rip, enroute back to Armoural KS, to be included in train to Westfield TX. ETA, 8-19-15 10:00am. It is a multi-level flat car 93ft long with/coupler's.

Info: Courtesy of My Son, who is a ATM for the UP Intermodal yard Joliet Il. Would give a print-out......but not allowed.

Take Care! Big SmileBig Smile

Frank

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Posted by mobilman44 on Friday, August 14, 2015 5:28 AM

Thank you!   That makes sense - 18th st being a repair facility.  The Ford provided info stated it was there, but they thought it was just a junction and not a repair place.   Westfield is the local autorack facility, about 10 miles southeast of me and about 8 miles from the dealer.   Gee, arrival on the 19th , plus a couple of days to unload and transport to the dealer, plus a day dealer prep puts the vehicle in my hands on the 24/25th or so.

Again, thank you all for the info!

ENJOY  !

 

Mobilman44

 

Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central 

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Posted by LensCapOn on Friday, August 14, 2015 11:35 AM

ATLANTIC CENTRAL

I just bought a new FORD a few weeks ago - but I found one on the lot with the features and equipment I wanted:

 " target="">

 " target="">

Hope yours shows up soon.....

Sheldon

 

 

 

Have not been following this thread. Is that the new Alumi version, or one of the old steel ones? (haven't been following truck sites either...)

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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Friday, August 14, 2015 12:14 PM

This is an 2015 F250 SUPER DUTY, they are still steel and will remain so from what I understand.

It is the 2015 F150 models which are now aluminum. Which leads to another story.

Unlike GM or RAM, FORD builds their F250 and F350 pickups (3/4 ton and 1 ton) on a completely different chassis from their 1/2 ton F150 models. The frame, cab, beds, suspensions are completely seperate designs, not just a "beefed up" verion of the lighter truck.

It has been this way for a quite a while now.

The new aluminum F150 was introduced late, and 2014 F150 models where produced until parts supplies ran out - well into early 2015.

FORD will not be producing any new aluminum F150 trucks with an 8' bed until 2016 models.

I needed an extended cab AND the 8' bed - to me a 6' bed pickup is useless.

So after some thought and research, I decided to go up the the 3/4 ton F250 version to get the cab/bed combination I wanted.

FORD builds more pickups than anyone - in fact, F series trucks as a group are the largest selling single product line in the automotive world - nearly 800,000 units last year - GM is a distant second at just over 500,000 - TOYOTA only built about 150,000 pickups........

The new aluminum F150 is a very nice truck, and combined with turbo V6 power promises to move light duty pickups into a new level of fuel economy and power.

But as I said, I needed the larger cab and larger bed, and I needed it now.

Interestingly, GM only sells extended cab/long bed pickups in their 2500HD, 3/4 ton lineup - not in their 1500, 1/2 ton lineup. The GM 2500 is their equal to my F250. RAM no longer sells that cab bed combination at all.........

Being much heavier, at about 6600 lbs, my F250 is powered by a 6.2 liter V8 with a very sofisticated 6 speed auto that has a number of shifting options. It is also 4x4.

My old 2000 F150, regular cab 8' bed, now has 240,000 miles on it and still runs well - but it was time, and I really needed the bigger cab.

When FORD does get around to making the F150 in this cab/bed configuration, they will automaticly require a suspension upgrade to the heaviest version of the F150 suspension anyway - so going to the F250 was likely a good move.

Fuel economy is not much of an issue for me, I don't drive real far, and much of my driving is "suburban" - milage not that great no matter what you drive.......but I need to be able to carry the stuff I need to carry, and have room for the grandchildren.....

Take care,

Sheldon

    

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Posted by dehusman on Monday, August 17, 2015 8:20 AM

Your truck just went by Kyle Field.

Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com

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Posted by dehusman on Monday, August 17, 2015 12:53 PM

Your truck just went by Wunsche Cafe.

Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com

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