Trains.com

F Tower to possibly close

1527 views
8 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 10:13 PM

blue streak 1

Will this be a long term investment.  News wire commet said that "F" was once tried before to be closed.  Since the full electronics will be quite complicated how much will it cost?

 

The last upgrade to F Tower made it's model board and display's visible to the affected CSX Dispatchers.  I suspect, but don't know, that a very simple software change is all that is required to transfer control of signals to the dispatcher. 

Lining signals is easy - knowing when not to line signals it more difficult and handling communications with the adjoining dispatchers will increase the work load of the controlling dispatcher.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2009
  • 1,751 posts
Posted by dakotafred on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 8:15 PM

zugmann

 Not like they will save massive manpower costs, as I'm sure those guys will exercise seniority elsewhere. 

 
Sure, Zug, but then the company won't be paying the guys they bump (or the guys the bumped guys bump). Other things being equal, elimination of jobs is money saved, period.
 
Losing jobs to automation is regretable in its way, but at least understandable because inevitable. What I hate is jobs given away to other countries through the "free trade" agreements that always seem to work to our disadvantage. (There are two more of these bargains pending now.)
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,022 posts
Posted by tree68 on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 7:51 PM

Given that CSX is already using satellite for the North Baltimore intermodal facility environs (used to be on ATCS, which the rest of the lines in the area still are), I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see them take that route at Fostoria.

Fans watching traffic on ATCS at Deshler now see a 'black hole' at North Baltimore.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
  • 11,919 posts
Posted by blue streak 1 on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 7:03 PM

Will this be a long term investment.  News wire commet said that "F" was once tried before to be closed.  Since the full electronics will be quite complicated how much will it cost?

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 6:31 PM

Manned control towers are going the way of the dodo -- very few remain active any more as automated signalling and dispatch centers take over.

 

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 5:50 PM

With PTC coming (some decade) and automated dispatching software (don't know if CSX uses that cra.., err, software yet), it should be no surprise that any local control of mainline is going away. 

 

Not like they will save massive manpower costs, as I'm sure those guys will exercise seniority elsewhere. 

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 9:02 AM

Electroliner 1935

Basically, the CSX can save the $ of six individuals. And asign their work to the existing (presumably underworked) dispatchers in Indianapolis. Then they can increase the dividends to the vultures on Wall St. So the heads of the coporation can keep their jobs. 

The last time I looked, CSX was in business to bring the highest possible return to the bottom line, not provide our entertainment.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    September 2010
  • 2,515 posts
Posted by Electroliner 1935 on Monday, February 2, 2015 8:45 PM

Basically, the CSX can save the $ of six individuals. And asign their work to the existing (presumably underworked) dispatchers in Indianapolis. Then they can increase the dividends to the vultures on Wall St. So the heads of the coporation can keep their jobs. 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Defiance Ohio
  • 13,320 posts
F Tower to possibly close
Posted by JoeKoh on Monday, February 2, 2015 5:07 PM

According to the Toledo Blade Csx is looking at a plan to close "F" tower in Fostoria.The tower controls movement of trains on CSX's former C&O and B&O lines.It also grants permission for NS on it's former NKP line.The junction would be controlled from the Indianapolis dispatch center.

stay safe

joe

Deshler Ohio-crossroads of the B&O Matt eats your fries.YUM! Clinton st viaduct undefeated against too tall trucks!!!(voted to be called the "Clinton St. can opener").

 

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy