this and that

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CShaveRR

Hey, kiddo!

UCEX is Union Electric Company. For some reason they're not in the Equipment Registers, so I can't see what kind of cars they are (next time, just for me, grab a number...one number--or one number each from however many series you see--
will tell me a lot!).

Just a wild guess: were these hoppers, and not gons? They may be concerned about impacts affecting some of the unloading mechanisms (though something like that would never happen in OUR hump!). We don't get too many of those hoppers here--either in trains or single cars going over the hump--but if they come up in a hump shove, over they go! (I'll keep an eye out for aluminum unit-train hoppers of the quick-dumping variety, because I suspect that's what you've been seeing).

Carl

Brother Carl - my notes say they were bottom dump. I will get numbers, since ahem - we move a lot of coal thru here! [;)]

Jen

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CShaveRR

Hey, kiddo!

UCEX is Union Electric Company. For some reason they're not in the Equipment Registers, so I can't see what kind of cars they are (next time, just for me, grab a number...one number--or one number each from however many series you see--
will tell me a lot!).

Just a wild guess: were these hoppers, and not gons? They may be concerned about impacts affecting some of the unloading mechanisms (though something like that would never happen in OUR hump!). We don't get too many of those hoppers here--either in trains or single cars going over the hump--but if they come up in a hump shove, over they go! (I'll keep an eye out for aluminum unit-train hoppers of the quick-dumping variety, because I suspect that's what you've been seeing).

Carl

Brother Carl - my notes say they were bottom dump. I will get numbers, since ahem - we move a lot of coal thru here! [;)]

Jen

[CShaveRR]

Hey, kiddo!

UCEX is Union Electric Company. For some reason they're not in the Equipment Registers, so I can't see what kind of cars they are (next time, just for me, grab a number...one number--or one number each from however many series you see--
will tell me a lot!).

Just a wild guess: were these hoppers, and not gons? They may be concerned about impacts affecting some of the unloading mechanisms (though something like that would never happen in OUR hump!). We don't get too many of those hoppers here--either in trains or single cars going over the hump--but if they come up in a hump shove, over they go! (I'll keep an eye out for aluminum unit-train hoppers of the quick-dumping variety, because I suspect that's what you've been seeing).

Carl

[CShaveRR]

Hey, kiddo!

UCEX is Union Electric Company. For some reason they're not in the Equipment Registers, so I can't see what kind of cars they are (next time, just for me, grab a number...one number--or one number each from however many series you see--
will tell me a lot!).

Just a wild guess: were these hoppers, and not gons? They may be concerned about impacts affecting some of the unloading mechanisms (though something like that would never happen in OUR hump!). We don't get too many of those hoppers here--either in trains or single cars going over the hump--but if they come up in a hump shove, over they go! (I'll keep an eye out for aluminum unit-train hoppers of the quick-dumping variety, because I suspect that's what you've been seeing).

Carl

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CShaveRR

I've never seen "Do Not Hump" on aluminum coal cars, and we hump 'em all the time (we never get more than a few that were probably set out of the unit trains somewhere else). Those things aren't any weaker than steel cars (the metal is much thicker on the sides...but still lighter). Certain components, including the center sills (what you'd be most worried about in hump impacts), are steel. I don't know how they conquered the aluminum/steel interface problem, but they must have.

There might be specific series, certain types of coal cars, that say "do not hump" for other reasons...try for a reporting mark and number next time! Meantime, you mightn't have seen "do not thaw"? That's on all aluminum cars so they don't use torches to loosen a frozen load, burning through the sides or bottoms

Saw it again yesterday - UCEX - is this Con Edison? I am just guessing, too lazy to go look on my list. Anyway - it has DO NOT HUMP stenciled on both ends.

Moo

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CShaveRR

I've never seen "Do Not Hump" on aluminum coal cars, and we hump 'em all the time (we never get more than a few that were probably set out of the unit trains somewhere else). Those things aren't any weaker than steel cars (the metal is much thicker on the sides...but still lighter). Certain components, including the center sills (what you'd be most worried about in hump impacts), are steel. I don't know how they conquered the aluminum/steel interface problem, but they must have.

There might be specific series, certain types of coal cars, that say "do not hump" for other reasons...try for a reporting mark and number next time! Meantime, you mightn't have seen "do not thaw"? That's on all aluminum cars so they don't use torches to loosen a frozen load, burning through the sides or bottoms

Saw it again yesterday - UCEX - is this Con Edison? I am just guessing, too lazy to go look on my list. Anyway - it has DO NOT HUMP stenciled on both ends.

Moo

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

As to BNSF SD38P and GP28P (1590-1599), the P stands for Power. Both models are equipped with a power take-off for slugs (SD38P) or rotary snowplows (GP28P). It's a necessity for the SD38P since they work with slugs as hump pushers but it's more of a nice option for the GP28P since rotaries don't get called out too often but it does allow BNSF to retire the former F7B's used as power cars for the rotaries.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

As to BNSF SD38P and GP28P (1590-1599), the P stands for Power. Both models are equipped with a power take-off for slugs (SD38P) or rotary snowplows (GP28P). It's a necessity for the SD38P since they work with slugs as hump pushers but it's more of a nice option for the GP28P since rotaries don't get called out too often but it does allow BNSF to retire the former F7B's used as power cars for the rotaries.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

CSX 7680 and 8370 and Conrail 8666 - one of these units was making a constant sparking sound. Why? (I couldn't tell for sure which one - but it was annoying!)

The sparking or spitting sound is probably the automatic condensation valves on the main air resivoirs. [:D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

CSX 7680 and 8370 and Conrail 8666 - one of these units was making a constant sparking sound. Why? (I couldn't tell for sure which one - but it was annoying!)

The sparking or spitting sound is probably the automatic condensation valves on the main air resivoirs. [:D]

[Mookie]

BC - thanx for info ! I would lob rocks at anyone that doesn't play fair. That is #1 with me and I hate it when people abuse their "power". Dad was union all the way - he was prez, griever, chaplain and while he didn't always approve, he was still there for the meetings. So no grief for rank and file - just for unfairness and greed.

SJ

[Mookie]

BC - thanx for info ! I would lob rocks at anyone that doesn't play fair. That is #1 with me and I hate it when people abuse their "power". Dad was union all the way - he was prez, griever, chaplain and while he didn't always approve, he was still there for the meetings. So no grief for rank and file - just for unfairness and greed.

SJ

[CShaveRR]

Yeah, I think BNSF had some GP39Es (rebuilt by EMD), GP39Ms (rebuilt by Morrison-Knudsen), and GP39Vs (rebuilt by VMV...same as Paducah). Some of those were old GP30s...distinctive carbodies.

As a UTU member, I can't say "Lob a few rocks for me." The DLCs ply us with ads, newsletters, calendars, stuff like that. I didn't think they were unhappy. But if our "leaders" are extorting more than regular union dues (steep enough!), they should be held accountable.

[CShaveRR]

Yeah, I think BNSF had some GP39Es (rebuilt by EMD), GP39Ms (rebuilt by Morrison-Knudsen), and GP39Vs (rebuilt by VMV...same as Paducah). Some of those were old GP30s...distinctive carbodies.

As a UTU member, I can't say "Lob a few rocks for me." The DLCs ply us with ads, newsletters, calendars, stuff like that. I didn't think they were unhappy. But if our "leaders" are extorting more than regular union dues (steep enough!), they should be held accountable.

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CShaveRR

I've never seen "Do Not Hump" on aluminum coal cars, and we hump 'em all the time (we never get more than a few that were probably set out of the unit trains somewhere else). Those things aren't any weaker than steel cars (the metal is much thicker on the sides...but still lighter). Certain components, including the center sills (what you'd be most worried about in hump impacts), are steel. I don't know how they conquered the aluminum/steel interface problem, but they must have.

There might be specific series, certain types of coal cars, that say "do not hump" for other reasons...try for a reporting mark and number next time! Meantime, you mightn't have seen "do not thaw"? That's on all aluminum cars so they don't use torches to loosen a frozen load, burning through the sides or bottoms.


BNSF SD38P 6238 was rebuilt from an SD35 at Paducah (VMV), so that's what the "P" stands for.


Was the "sparking" sound more like a "spit" every few seconds, or even more frequently? I think you might have gotten the valve that drains condensation out of the air system...newer ones operate like that (I don't like listening to 'em, either!). It used to be that you'd get a loud "whoosh" of air and moisture every minute or so.

Brother Carl: I wrote down everything I could think of - except the reporting marks on those do not hump cars. Will try to find some more and get marks.

Paducah - ok - I won't remember that but at least I have an idea what the P might be. Saw an E one time, and wondered what the E was for. Maybe Erie or Egypt? [;)]

I asked the Do Not Thaw and how they get coal out in icy weather a long time ago, so do know what that means. This was stenciled high up on the end of the car itself.

This sounded like a constant - really constant spitting. Like an arcing. If I could have heard it from the engine, it would have driven me nuts. As it was it was really noticable from the car and did catch my attention. It sounded like it was from the motor itself, like it was arcing. Don't know if that is possible, but it needed help!
I thought of those old wind up toys that when you set them down they would emit sparks as they unwound. That is what ran through my mind - they need to get the unit in and wind it back up before it runs down!

Our busses do the air and spit, so I know what that sounds like - this was more electrical in nature.

Thanx for family help!

Sistah Mookie - (practicing my HUSTON draawwl...might have to appear at the trial for our brother UTU execs. May want me to throw rocks!) Y'all......

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CShaveRR

I've never seen "Do Not Hump" on aluminum coal cars, and we hump 'em all the time (we never get more than a few that were probably set out of the unit trains somewhere else). Those things aren't any weaker than steel cars (the metal is much thicker on the sides...but still lighter). Certain components, including the center sills (what you'd be most worried about in hump impacts), are steel. I don't know how they conquered the aluminum/steel interface problem, but they must have.

There might be specific series, certain types of coal cars, that say "do not hump" for other reasons...try for a reporting mark and number next time! Meantime, you mightn't have seen "do not thaw"? That's on all aluminum cars so they don't use torches to loosen a frozen load, burning through the sides or bottoms.


BNSF SD38P 6238 was rebuilt from an SD35 at Paducah (VMV), so that's what the "P" stands for.


Was the "sparking" sound more like a "spit" every few seconds, or even more frequently? I think you might have gotten the valve that drains condensation out of the air system...newer ones operate like that (I don't like listening to 'em, either!). It used to be that you'd get a loud "whoosh" of air and moisture every minute or so.

Brother Carl: I wrote down everything I could think of - except the reporting marks on those do not hump cars. Will try to find some more and get marks.

Paducah - ok - I won't remember that but at least I have an idea what the P might be. Saw an E one time, and wondered what the E was for. Maybe Erie or Egypt? [;)]

I asked the Do Not Thaw and how they get coal out in icy weather a long time ago, so do know what that means. This was stenciled high up on the end of the car itself.

This sounded like a constant - really constant spitting. Like an arcing. If I could have heard it from the engine, it would have driven me nuts. As it was it was really noticable from the car and did catch my attention. It sounded like it was from the motor itself, like it was arcing. Don't know if that is possible, but it needed help!
I thought of those old wind up toys that when you set them down they would emit sparks as they unwound. That is what ran through my mind - they need to get the unit in and wind it back up before it runs down!

Our busses do the air and spit, so I know what that sounds like - this was more electrical in nature.

Thanx for family help!

Sistah Mookie - (practicing my HUSTON draawwl...might have to appear at the trial for our brother UTU execs. May want me to throw rocks!) Y'all......

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by edblysard

Headlights...
Bet one series of locomotives came from Santa Fe, with the lights up high, and the others are BN units.
You didnt say what type of locomotives they were, older units, SD40s, GP60s,?
Stay Frosty,
Ed

All SD 70's. Pulling coal cars. Bet you are right, tho. That was what caught my eye - my one good one [;)] They were all the same engine, just different headlight placement.

Mook

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by edblysard

Headlights...
Bet one series of locomotives came from Santa Fe, with the lights up high, and the others are BN units.
You didnt say what type of locomotives they were, older units, SD40s, GP60s,?
Stay Frosty,
Ed

All SD 70's. Pulling coal cars. Bet you are right, tho. That was what caught my eye - my one good one [;)] They were all the same engine, just different headlight placement.

Mook

[mudchicken]

Jen:

ATSF moved most of the headlights to the noses of their locomotives in the late 1980's and early 90's to make them more visible at crossings and some engineers seemed to think they could see better with the light down low. At the same time, the horn was moved from the cab roof to back on the long hood to lessen the impact on a switchman's ears standing on the front steps. The headlight issue came to be after ATSF bought 10 SD40-2's to be primarilly used as pushers in hill country that had lights above the cab and in the nose (5160-5169 I thins). Crews started playing around with the lights and started badgering the roundhouse guys to put these units in the lead of the consist, then word got up to the powers that be that this might be a win-win deal to relocate the lights.

[mudchicken]

Jen:

ATSF moved most of the headlights to the noses of their locomotives in the late 1980's and early 90's to make them more visible at crossings and some engineers seemed to think they could see better with the light down low. At the same time, the horn was moved from the cab roof to back on the long hood to lessen the impact on a switchman's ears standing on the front steps. The headlight issue came to be after ATSF bought 10 SD40-2's to be primarilly used as pushers in hill country that had lights above the cab and in the nose (5160-5169 I thins). Crews started playing around with the lights and started badgering the roundhouse guys to put these units in the lead of the consist, then word got up to the powers that be that this might be a win-win deal to relocate the lights.

[CShaveRR]

I've never seen "Do Not Hump" on aluminum coal cars, and we hump 'em all the time (we never get more than a few that were probably set out of the unit trains somewhere else). Those things aren't any weaker than steel cars (the metal is much thicker on the sides...but still lighter). Certain components, including the center sills (what you'd be most worried about in hump impacts), are steel. I don't know how they conquered the aluminum/steel interface problem, but they must have.

There might be specific series, certain types of coal cars, that say "do not hump" for other reasons...try for a reporting mark and number next time! Meantime, you mightn't have seen "do not thaw"? That's on all aluminum cars so they don't use torches to loosen a frozen load, burning through the sides or bottoms.


BNSF SD38P 6238 was rebuilt from an SD35 at Paducah (VMV), so that's what the "P" stands for.


Was the "sparking" sound more like a "spit" every few seconds, or even more frequently? I think you might have gotten the valve that drains condensation out of the air system...newer ones operate like that (I don't like listening to 'em, either!). It used to be that you'd get a loud "whoosh" of air and moisture every minute or so.

[CShaveRR]

I've never seen "Do Not Hump" on aluminum coal cars, and we hump 'em all the time (we never get more than a few that were probably set out of the unit trains somewhere else). Those things aren't any weaker than steel cars (the metal is much thicker on the sides...but still lighter). Certain components, including the center sills (what you'd be most worried about in hump impacts), are steel. I don't know how they conquered the aluminum/steel interface problem, but they must have.

There might be specific series, certain types of coal cars, that say "do not hump" for other reasons...try for a reporting mark and number next time! Meantime, you mightn't have seen "do not thaw"? That's on all aluminum cars so they don't use torches to loosen a frozen load, burning through the sides or bottoms.


BNSF SD38P 6238 was rebuilt from an SD35 at Paducah (VMV), so that's what the "P" stands for.


Was the "sparking" sound more like a "spit" every few seconds, or even more frequently? I think you might have gotten the valve that drains condensation out of the air system...newer ones operate like that (I don't like listening to 'em, either!). It used to be that you'd get a loud "whoosh" of air and moisture every minute or so.

[Anonymous]

Gonna take a stab at some of these-

6268- could be a SDP-40- mid 60's built passenger engine the GN used-BNSF still has a few around.

The spanking noise? Probably the air compressor working.

Nose headlights were on certain SF engine classes.

Do not hump-loads may shift causing damage to the car.

HTH[8D]

[Anonymous]

Gonna take a stab at some of these-

6268- could be a SDP-40- mid 60's built passenger engine the GN used-BNSF still has a few around.

The spanking noise? Probably the air compressor working.

Nose headlights were on certain SF engine classes.

Do not hump-loads may shift causing damage to the car.

HTH[8D]

[edblysard]

Headlights...
Bet one series of locomotives came from Santa Fe, with the lights up high, and the others are BN units.
You didnt say what type of locomotives they were, older units, SD40s, GP60s,?
Stay Frosty,
Ed

[edblysard]

Headlights...
Bet one series of locomotives came from Santa Fe, with the lights up high, and the others are BN units.
You didnt say what type of locomotives they were, older units, SD40s, GP60s,?
Stay Frosty,
Ed

[JoeKoh]

yep you don't want to cru***he aluminum cars.
stay safe
joe

[JoeKoh]

yep you don't want to cru***he aluminum cars.
stay safe
joe

[Mookie]

[:o)] I am back with more questions. Just some little ones, this time.

Sightings this weekend - all BNSF except one

8026-2121-7854-2256 - the 2nd and 4th were marked for remote use. No question, just an observation. Also 3643, 3409, an SW 15 and an SW 10 - nice change from SD70's we see all the time.

6268 - and SD38P - what does the P stand for? Pretty paint job - whiteface.

CSX 7680 and 8370 and Conrail 8666 - one of these units was making a constant sparking sound. Why? (I couldn't tell for sure which one - but it was annoying!)

Do not hump on coal cars - because they are aluminum and may crush?

SD70's - 8858 - headlite under windshield, 9819 headlite over windshield.
9553 - headlite over windshield and 4th one I couldn't see. Why the difference?

I will go wait for answers.....

Mook