The author talks about using "Caterpillar tractors" as needed "where the spreaders cannot push it (the snow) over the side" (page 33). Does he mean track type dozers, wheel dozers, or front end loaders? Is this equipment moved in before winter to where it's likely to be needed? hauled in on rail when needed? He mentions "20 Cats" working in groups. That's a lot of heavy equipment! Of course that's equipment that's probably not need in winter for construction. Can someone answer these questions?
I do believe those are your good, old Caterpillar "bulldozers." Wheeled equipment would not work well there.
That is a good question on the logistics involved with that equipment. There is the possibility that the railroad just leases it for the winter, although winter in the mountains does last longer than when the dozers would be needed in the lowlands.
I'm guessing they are railroad owned and stay on the mountain year-round.
Larry 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...
I just received my December Trains Mag today and read Dick Dorn's 'White Out' article & photos from begining to end, without a break. I enjoyed it very much.
Here in England we get nothing like that type of weather. If we have 25mm (1") of snow - everything grinds to a halt! There is minimum provision made for keeping any transportation moving.
I'm watching the Rotary in action (Feb 2017) on the Tube on my other PC, including a PistenBully. They are a real good design, such a lightweight machine clearing snow like that. The Rotary is like a Geyser. Paul
"It's the South Shore Line, Jim - but not as we know it".
DerailHe mentions "20 Cats" working in groups. That's a lot of heavy equipment! Of course that's equipment that's probably not need in winter for construction. Can someone answer these questions?
Well, the Union Pacific could be using Rent a Cat.
https://www.catrentalstore.com/en_US/products/earthmoving-equipment/dozers.html
Yes real Caterpillar bulldozers. See the article "When snow hits the Sierra" by Dick Dorn in the December 1994 Trains. The cats are used to push the snow off the sides where the spreaders can't reach. See pages 53-61.
I'd love to see that December 1994 article but I don't have copies of the magazine that far back nor can I get it at Trains. If you have it, can you send me the article via email? ronnrowdy@mtco.com
Getting to be that 'time of the year' again....Winter and its snows! Out heere in the flat lands, generally the railroads rely on their 'permanent plows' furnished by EMD and GE. The 'rubber tired bubbas' plow the roads and inevitably they'll cross the tracks with a large pile of that 'snirt' on the crossings.
Those are the days when waiting at a crossing around here you want to be well back of the painted line. At track speed the snirt will fly many feet off the tracks ...Besides the 'sometimes' white stuff, they can launch all sorts of debris into waiting motorist's windshields... Try to collect a damage claim from BNSF for a windshield.
Speaking of trains hitting snowbanks, anyone seen this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Npm4ElvJWJg
Who says it's easy being a railfan photographer?
It's on the Trains 1940-2010 disc.
Derail I'd love to see that December 1994 article but I don't have copies of the magazine that far back nor can I get it at Trains. If you have it, can you send me the article via email? ronnrowdy@mtco.com
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