From the looks of the large floodlights on the rear of the roof, this car could also be used for managment track inspections. MEC had a similar car; it was a heavyweight business car and was usually pulled by one of their non-dynamic brake GP-7s because that loco had a steam generator in the short hood.
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
LOCO_GUYI had to google PTC as I am not as savvy as a lot of the members here. Positive train control is how they can override human error according to the page I read on google.
Chris,
Sorry, should've at least spelled out the acronym
Yes, a park or other public accomodation is a good example of a trainspotting location that's legit. There are even places that build parks at busy railfan-attractive locations, so you might search on the internet or here on the Kalmbach site for more info.
As you note, it still pays to respect the tracks, even if you can get close legally. It worries crews less. There's also the case that things like snapped metal strapping or other issues with loads or cars could project beyond the expected distance next to a train. Derailments are rare, but a possibility that's best kept in mind, for instance closer may be appropriate if on the inside of a curve, but maybe further away if on the outside of a curve.
Yeah, if everything works right, then PTC's supposed to catch human error, like the excess speed that seems so far to be without other explanation in the recent tragic Philly accident.
I believe that PTC will likely monitor grade crossing signals and other such things to ensure proper operation in accord with train presence, so I suspect this may indeed be PTC related. Of course, they may be planning to repair rail crossings and the rail geometry car might be sizing them up for future trackwork. Hard to say without asking the crew or hearing something on the scanner. That's where treating the ROW with respect when railfanning pays off, because if crew does dismount or the train stands long enough to shout up a question or inquiry, you are more likely to get an answer.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
For some reason i thought they added special cars to the Heritage Units site but no, just various locomotives. But this can find interesting things near you:
https://heritageunits.com/
The NS F units you'll see if you scroll down the list are often used to pull executive specials, which will have some interesting cars. Not to mention all the special fallen flag painted units from several railroads, which make it all over the country with modern pool service.
You often don't get much warning, although if you see it on the line that leads past you but a good distance away, you might catch it.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Mike,
There is a park right alongside the railroad tracks and you can park right next to them. So I guess I can get pretty close just sitting in my vehicle. I get your point about worrying the crew - thats why I asked if there was any rule on this.
I had to google PTC as I am not as savvy as a lot of the members here. Positive train control is how they can override human error according to the page I read on google.
As the train I watched was going back and forward across the railroad crossing I assumed it might be checking the barriers or the electronics associated with them. But that might be part of the PTC you mentioned.
Chris.
Loco Guy - is a state of mind - not an affinity to locomotives.
Sit back and enjoy your track...
Yeah, a scanner would be your best bet to understand what's going on in your area. There are also computer apps that provide feeds of train data on some lines, but don't have any experience with them.
slammin is also correct in that this most likely involves track geometry. However, with PTC going in all over the place, it's possible the car may be in use to verfiy reception of various radio links associated with it.
As for trespassing, stay off the ROW. Sometimes it's obvious. There may be signs, which are often used where people might mistakenly think they're off RR property, but they're not. It may not be ROW, but if RR-owned it's their call within local law. Out in the country, it's usually obvious where the RR property ends and other private property begins. You can ask the adjacent property owner for permission to be on their property; otherwise you're trespassing there just as you would be on the ROW. Usually the ROW is several dozen feet wide. Out west, it can be 100' or more wide. Look for fences and evidence of the borders with adjacent property.
Along public roads, bike or hiking paths, or waterways is a good spot in some cases. You know you're allowed to be there. Still, it's important to keep in mind, do NOT worry the crews you're going to do something stupid at the last moment. Between accidents, dumb moves and suicides, they already have too much on their minds and nothing they can do but watch. Use your lens, not your body, to get close to the tracks.
I'm sure others will have advice, but those are the basics.
I found info on Research 31 and 36 but nothing on 56. According to the Virginia Museum of Transportation, the cars were used to check track geometery. The museum owns #31. This type of "train" won't be found on any posted schedules. Best way to find them would be a scanner with NS frequencies. As far as railfanning, when I was a kid, I was told anytime you step off the sidewalk you are most likely trespassing.
I live in a podunk town in Mississippi and we have an NS line run throught it. Recently I have had a hankerin' for some McDs breakfast sandwiches and coffee early in the morning so I usually park down by the railroad tracks to eat it and hope to see the odd train go by.
This moring I got a real surprise to see something I have never seen before - a real life observation car - just like the ones on my layout. It had two diesels pulling one observation car with the lettering "research 56" on it. I was facinated by this so I did a little search on google and found this picture of a similar setup.
I just wished I had my camera to take a photo at the time I saw it. So that brought up a couple of questions. I tried to find a timetable but only got a booking site. Plus I dont know how you would find out when freight trains pass through. Anyhoo, here are my questions...
Is there any way to find out what trains will be on my local railroad track and when?
How close can you stand to the tracks to take a photo/video without getting into trouble or run over by a train?
I used to think the UK trainspotters in their anoraks waiting for trains to go by were a bit odd - but after seeing this car go by I can understand the interest a bit more.