WATCO abandoning service on Washington State owned lines! (read: BNSF does it again!)

[TomDiehl]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AMTK200

QUOTE: Originally posted by TomDiehl

QUOTE: Originally posted by futuremodal

- Foss Maritime, one of the four competing barge lines that use the Columbia-Snake River waterway system, is in favor of more rail to barge transloading, since capacity on the river is nowhere near the congestion point, while rail capacity in the Gorge is at the breaking point for both UP and BNSF.

"Rail capacity near the breaking point for both UP and BNSF," sounds like something I suggested earlier.

I feel if the Government would be willing to pay for the USA Rail Improvments.

The same way they're planning on paying for the NEC improvements?

[Anonymous]

Tom, it's real simple (regarding operations through Cascade Tunnel). An empty heading eastbound through the tunnel (the 1.7% upgrade direction) will not need as much horsepower as a fully loaded double stack, thus the engines are not working as hard, thus there is less emissions to be cleared out, thus the tunnel is ready in much less time for the next train. That's why the Quincy dedicated intermodal train would leave such a small footprinto on current BNSF operations via Stevens Pass.

For the record, most eastbounds are loads (usually double stacks of Asian imports), so if it takes a hour to clear the tunnel after each loaded double stack, adding more eastbound loads will be difficult. But westbounds, regardless of tonnage, are effectively just drifting downgrade, so the tunnel is usually available for the next train shortly thereafter. The only type of eastbound that wouldn't require the usual 40 minutes would be one that's not working so hard going upgrade, e.g. an empty.

[TomDiehl]

QUOTE: Originally posted by futuremodal

Tom, it's real simple (regarding operations through Cascade Tunnel). An empty heading eastbound through the tunnel (the 1.7% upgrade direction) will not need as much horsepower as a fully loaded double stack, thus the engines are not working as hard, thus there is less emissions to be cleared out, thus the tunnel is ready in much less time for the next train. That's why the Quincy dedicated intermodal train would leave such a small footprinto on current BNSF operations via Stevens Pass.

For the record, most eastbounds are loads (usually double stacks of Asian imports), so if it takes a hour to clear the tunnel after each loaded double stack, adding more eastbound loads will be difficult. But westbounds, regardless of tonnage, are effectively just drifting downgrade, so the tunnel is usually available for the next train shortly thereafter. The only type of eastbound that wouldn't require the usual 40 minutes would be one that's not working so hard going upgrade, e.g. an empty.

So you're claiming to know the rulebook entry on this tunnel.

[Anonymous]

As opposed to a set amout of time irregardless of train type?

[zardoz]

I suppose I shouln't be sticking my nose in here, but this argument has been going on for so long, and does not seem to be going anywhere. It seems as though futuremodal and tomdiehl are enjoying this diatribe, copying and pasting such involved postings; however, when you mega-posters get done trying to impress us (and each other) with 'knowledge', perhaps you could actually take the time to read and comprehend what the other is trying to say. In this way, you may actually have a discussion, rather than an insult exchange thread.

And speaking of insults, futuremodal, you have gone too far with your condemnation of Ed's observations. Sure, Ed "merely" operates railroad equipment rather than a calculator at work, and thinks on his feet rather than on his ***, but he is one of the most rational, intelligent, and observant posters we have on this site. Ed is concise and to the point; he does not hide behind a smokescreen of overwhelming factoids. Your diatribe against Ed is tantamount to a derision against every working railroader on this site.

We all have our areas of expertise, and we all have to work together to make things function. And if want anyone to ever take you seriously, I suggest you get off your high horse and realize you are no better (or no worse) than anyone else.

There is a saying: He only listens when he is speaking. Think about it, please.

[Anonymous]

zardoz,

I was only illistrating the "ed" treatment, doing to "ed" basically what he does to me every single time. If such "edishness" offends you, I suggest you contact "ed" and tell him how you feel. I'm just playing the messenger here.

Obviously, you do not know the real "ed".

[TomDiehl]

QUOTE: Originally posted by futuremodal

As opposed to a set amout of time irregardless of train type?

So you DON'T know.

How surprising. (OK, where's the sarcastic smilie?)