Z-9

[cabcar]

I recently heard the Dispatcher telling a train he was waiting for a westbound Z-9. I know he was talking about a Z-Train, but what does Z-9 mean? Are there any other types like Z-8 or something?

Thanks!

---Robert

[beaulieu]

A -9  "Z" train is the hottest of the hot. It just indicates a pecking order. For example a Z-WSPNBY-9  is a very hot train, while a Z-WSPNBY-1  is merely hot.

[youngengineer]

they also call them silver z's, z-9 hot hot hot, everything gets out its way! Generally 9 in the  symbol is for time sensitive shipments, i.e. UPS trailers, any train can have a 9 symbol although z's are always hottest. Than delivery point in the symbol can determine how hot that z-9 is, i.e. Z WSPNBY9 is very hot Z WSPALT9 less hot. Although I have been on a Z-9 when we got parked for several hours behind a maintenance window, the conductor was fuming LOL!!!

[cabcar]

Thank you!

[Doublestack]

Well, you'd think that they were hot, unless you had freight riding on them, in which case, not so hot.  Still perhaps hot as compared to a manifest train and I guess its all relative out on the RR.