Trains.com

Tracking the Donner plows

1342 views
6 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2006
  • 1,879 posts
Tracking the Donner plows
Posted by YoHo1975 on Thursday, February 28, 2019 10:50 AM

So, the Sierra Sun website reported that one of the UP jordan spreader trains derailed at Soda Springs yesterday. It also mentioned that the plows would be on the move today. Including, presumably the just rebuilt unit.

Avalanche shut down part of the line, Amtrak is bussing at Reno right now, but my question is, is there a website that tracks the movement of plows? I haven't had time to go down to the yard and wait for them, so I very likely missed them (didn't hear a steam whistle either), but assume there must be someone tracking these movements for fan. 

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Thursday, February 28, 2019 12:01 PM

Since an avalanche was involved in the blockage, it may be unlikely for UP to use the rotaries to clear the line.  There is a distinct possibility of other debris (logs, boulders, dead animals, etc.) to be mixed with the snow which could damage the rotary blades.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    November 2008
  • 1,881 posts
Posted by Leo_Ames on Thursday, February 28, 2019 12:06 PM

Is the just rebuilt plow the rotary that they were going to pair the Rio Grande F9B with?

  • Member since
    December 2006
  • 1,879 posts
Posted by YoHo1975 on Thursday, February 28, 2019 1:20 PM
Yes, SPMW 222 and SPMW 8222. The work has been complete for a few weeks and they were in Roseville as of a week ago. Not in an easy to photograph spot of course This is a video from a few weeks back presumably as they were getting ready to bring her home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5tJGZcbtQU
  • Member since
    December 2006
  • 1,879 posts
Posted by YoHo1975 on Thursday, February 28, 2019 2:12 PM
Turns out 222 was already at Colfax to do some test runs, Sounds like it' getting it's testing in a real situation.
  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
  • 11,919 posts
Posted by blue streak 1 on Thursday, February 28, 2019 8:35 PM

YoHo1975
Yes, SPMW 222 and SPMW 8222. The work has been complete for a few weeks and they were in Roseville as of a week ago. Not in an easy to photograph spot of course This is a video from a few weeks back presumably as they were getting ready to bring her home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5tJGZcbtQU 
 

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: NW Wisconsin
  • 3,857 posts
Posted by beaulieu on Thursday, February 28, 2019 11:16 PM

The rebuilt rotary lead a back to back set up the hill on the evening of the 27th. The rebuilt rotary developed a problem after a couple of miles of plowing. It is reported that there is a problem with the bearings on the rotor shaft.

There was a slide in the Feather River Canyon which has been repaired, so the Canyon Sub is open at this time. another storm is expected to start Friday night with up to 2 additional feet of snow possible at higher elevations and rain at lower altitudes.  

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