I saw a cn train switching crew on the cn line in toronto north with a train of composite wind mill blades. Any idea where they are heading?
Into the US.
10000 feet and no dynamics? Today is going to be a good day ...
I do believe they're loaded onto the train in Quebec. Where they come from before that I am not sure.
traisessive1I do believe they're loaded onto the train in Quebec. Where they come from before that I am not sure
One source for windmill parts is Viet Nam, I believe.
We had a ship come upbound through the St Lawrence River not long ago, loaded with blades. I didn't check it's destination (wasn't important at the time).
Coincidentally, a train loaded with windmill blades passed through Deshler, Ohio (and past the webcams there) not long after. It was headed south on the Toledo sub. I can only guess that those blades were offloaded from a ship (same one?) at Toledo for their trip south.
No idea where they were headed then, either.
The ship was seen downbound on the St Lawrence a couple of days ago.
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...
Saw an empty train for the blades go north on the webcam in Deshler this morning.There are 3 more loads to go to Lima and the CF&E.Good stuff.
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").
A decade or so ago - CSX Marketing Dept secured a contract for windmill blades being imported through the Port of Baltimore, however, in seeking this business they failed to appreciate the clearance implications of the traffic they secured.
Between Baltimore and New Castle, PA there were about 60 miles where these shipments were 'unrestricted' when meeting or passing other trains and/or equipment. Most all of those 60 miles were segments of single track on the Old Main Line and the Pittsburgh Subs. On the double track parts of the railroad the restrictions were either one train had to be stopped while the other passes at 10 MPH or only the windmill train could occupy the particular track segment.
In complying with the restrictions - it took two and a half weeks for the train to move from Baltimore to New Castle - I don't recall what the restrictions were West of New Castle. The first train handled was also the last train handled on this route. I have been lead to believe that the import port was changed to either Charleston or Jacksonville (which are served by predominately single track railroads).
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
We move, in different trains, all the parts. Tower segements, blades, turbine nacelles. Almost all are dimensional and have bulletins issued where trains can't meet, where they can meet but may be restricted to 10 or 25 mph and one must be stopped. (A few places there are no restrictions and neither train has to stop or slow down.) And of course places where there might be close clearance, such as bridges or cars on side tracks.
It really slows down the railroad when those windmill specials run.
Jeff
Ah, these videos always seem to find me, I don't go looking for them. Found this while doing a search on the song King Tut by Steve Martin. Windmill Train!!!!
Got to love that chuck wagon style bell ringing.....lol.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PROIHVMYOX8
The "last mile," of course, is by road for these blades. One shipment near me had to make a corner in a village - it was quite the production, from what I understand.
CMStPnPAh, these videos always seem to find me, I don't go looking for them. Found this while doing a search on the song King Tut by Steve Martin. Windmill Train!!!! Got to love that chuck wagon style bell ringing.....lol. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PROIHVMYOX8
Just have to love the engineering involved in mounting the blades to the rail cars to allow such overhang and swing as is necessary to get around curves.
BOB WITHORNI've seen a couple very long trains of blades headed west through Flint and Durand, Mi. usually at night
(Have seen what the blades do when a laydown yard on the Mississippi flooded - odd shaped canoes)
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