What is it?

[northwesterner]

In Chicago, this morning, driving to work (we in retail don't get Columbus Day off) I saw this thing on the U.P. tracks just south of the Clybourn Metra station. It was between 60 and 80 feet long. had lots of windows and looked like two Winnebagos stuck together. It had U.P. markings and the words "Today's Data, Tomorrow's Technology" across the side at the top. Any ideas?

How about a Boston-Chicago World
Series?

[dehusman]

Probably one of the rail defect detector cars or a track geometry car.

[mudchicken]

Also possibly a 20 stone rail, switch & crossing grinder if there were 2 articulated cars.

[northwesterner]

It was one continuous vehicle. Just north of where it was sitting, U.P. and Metra are replacing the middle track of the Northwest line. There have been a lot of hopper cars filled with ballast sitting in the area over the last few weeks. Hope this helps.

[JoeKoh]

if possible get a picture. as far as the world series anyone but the Yankees.
stay safe
Joe

[mudchicken]

One solid carbody indicates self propelled Geometry Car and Rail Corrugation (Lite Slice) Analyszer...those puppies don't stay still during the week - constantly out testing on the railroad.....Probably EC-1(Plasser), EC-2(Plasser), EC-4 (EMC Morphodite) or another of those rascals...

Most likely the track forces are frantically chasing the thing to correct whatever it finds.

Dirty Rusty Bird