Scheduled freight trains

[MP173]

I heard an interesting conversation on the scanner today. A track maintainer or perhaps signalman was asking for track permit time. This was on the CN's South Bend sub.

The dispatcher said something to the effect.."hang on let me pull up train 281...he was by Marcellus 1 minute late and got delayed 15 minutes at ________(forget the location)."

Is this normal for CN to have each train on a schedule detailed to locations...and is it normal for dispatchers to pay attention to how they are maintaining their schedule.

I have never heard this before.

Thanks,

ed

[dehusman]

Most railroads operate their trains on schedules, not like the timetable schedules, but schedules that determine service.

Priority trains are watched closely for wether they are one time or not.

Bulk trains normally don't operate on a schedule that is measured for lateness, since they are more a conveyor belt and don't always run at the same time every day.

Dave H.

[MP173]

I have also heard the term "key train" used on the CN from time to time.

Usually, the train crew in conversation with the dispatcher will remind him that "we are a key train."

Would that mean a priority train?

ed

[BaltACD]

QUOTE: Originally posted by MP173

I have also heard the term "key train" used on the CN from time to time.

Usually, the train crew in conversation with the dispatcher will remind him that "we are a key train."

Would that mean a priority train?

ed

I don't know the specifics of CN's defination of a 'key train'; however, on CSX a 'key train' is one the contains 20 or more HAZMAT cars and as such there are rules that apply to the train as to which tracks it is permitted to operate on and protection that must be afforded when the train has it's brakes apply in emergency. I suspect that 'key train' has become a universal term defined by the FRA for such trains with HAZMAT and the defination is applicable to all railroads.

[ValleyX]

That's a universal term for "key" trains, it's a reference to the amount of hazardous materials in the train.

On NS, priority trains are "corporate" trains.

[MP173]

That would make sense as in both instances the CN trains were manifest trains....as opposed to auto, coal, or intermodal.

CN thru here runs some serious tank cars. It is not unusual to see 30 or more tank cars with lots of commodities with names I cannot pronounce.

ed