Triple Crown to Minneapolis

[Anonymous]

Guten Morgen,

I know that there was info posted on this previously, so I don't know if this is new news or not.

In talking to NS yesterday, they indicated that they are still about 2 months from starting up Triple Crown roadrailer service to Minneapolis.

The confirmed that they will run on UP (former C&NW) from Chicago to Minn.

That line doesn't strike me as being in such great shape. Does anyone know about its condition (ie. running speed, jointed vs welded rail, signaling, etc.) Seems to me like that's an ABS signalled line.

Thanks - Stack

[zardoz]

dblstack,

The track from Chicago (Proviso yard) to Milwaukee is in mostly good shape. From Proviso to Gurnee (mp 38.2) it is 40mph ABS, two main tracks (signalled in one direction only), welded rail (with a short stretch of single track from KO to Gurnee), with numerous 30mph timetable speeds (Deval, Bryn Mawr, Valley). From Gurnee to Airport (mp 77) it is 50mph running speed, welded rail ABS single track with only two manual sidings for meets (Bain and siding K). From Airport to Butler (mp 95) it is two main track (signalled in one direction only), welded rail, 30mph ABS.

Last I knew (10 years ago) Butler to Adams (mp 212) was 30-40mph single track ABS TWC, mostly jointed rail, with manual sidings. Beyond Adams I have no idea.

I sure hope that the Crown does indeed start soon. Train-watching on the former CNW Milwaukee sub has become rather quiet lately.

[Anonymous]

Would anybody know where in Minneapolis the Triple Crown terminal will be?

[CShaveRR]

Jim, you can tell you're an old-timer: "Siding K" is now just plain "Kay".

Current timetable says the line's in better shape (or could be) than you describe: 50 mph (with the slowdowns) from Proviso to Airport, and mostly 40 beyond to Butler. Butler to Adams is now a maximum speed of 50 for 30 miles in the middle, but 30 for most of the subdivision at both ends.

Beyond Adams it's 40 max, with lots of 30. Still ABS, with TWC.

Back in CNW days, it was easy to find the welded rail, because that's where "rock and roll restrictions" didn't apply. I can't find any mention of rockin' and rollin' in the UP timetables, so who knows?

As for the Triple Crown stuff, the last I heard it was to start "late in the second quarter", and there were to be four round trips per week. Ford is the big shipper for this operation (auto parts from somewhere in Ohio), but it is hoped that other traffic will come.

[Anonymous]

Dosen't take 24 hours for Trains now BNSF dosen't take as long so NS takes the slow route NS must have bad math

DOGGY
HAPPY APRIL FOOLS DAY

[Big_Boy_4005]

Most of the track west of Milwaukee is non welded, as far as I know. From Eau Claire to St Paul is rough. I live just over the Wisconsin border, in Minnesota, about 2 miles from the track. The UP has been out working on the line, and I would guess that it is in perparation for this new activity.

I'm not sure where their terminal will be for this service. I see a few possibilities though. South St Paul, Shakopee, and St Paul-Hoffman Avenue could work, but there are a couple of even better locations than those.

The old Omaha yard near the University of Minnesota, or the near the old Strohs Brewery on the east side of St Paul, both have some open land where tracks once were, and both have pretty good access to highways near by.

I was planning on going out tomorrow and could do some poking around.[swg]

When I saw the earlier post on this topic, it made me wonder what they are shipping? My wild guess is FURNITURE. Ford seems like an unlikely shipper, because they get regular rail service from CP, direct to the assembly plant doors, why ship this way?? Loads from eastern roads would switch to CP at Chicago.

One thing to consider is that even though the track may not be in the best shape, these are light loads relatively speaking, and the revenue generated may help improve the line.

[Anonymous]

I heard that they're going to lay down a set of rails in the parking lot at Mall of America for the Triple Crown Minneapolis hub. [;)]

[Anonymous]

Better yet, I've heard that there is a piece of land at "500 11th Avenue South" in Minneapolis that hasn't been used for anything good for years. [(-D]

Maybe they could bulldoze that big white bubble that sits on that site and they could lay down some steel. [;)][;)]

[zardoz]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CShaveRR

Jim, you can tell you're an old-timer: "Siding K" is now just plain "Kay".

Thanks alot you young whippersnapper. First time I've been called an "Old timer". As soon as I get done with my nap, I'm gonna give you such a thrashing. [;)]

[CShaveRR]

Big Boy:

Please don't shoot the messenger...the railroad says Ford is the primary customer, and that would be good info. I suspect that it's parts business that previously moved by truck, so the CP action should be safe.

Young whippersnapper Carl
(I haven't been called that in a while, Zardoz!)

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by zardoz

QUOTE: Originally posted by CShaveRR

Jim, you can tell you're an old-timer: "Siding K" is now just plain "Kay".

Thanks alot you young whippersnapper. First time I've been called an "Old timer". As soon as I get done with my nap, I'm gonna give you such a thrashing. [;)]

Wonder if Trains.com does senior discounts?

[Anonymous]

I heard the tracks wii be laid on the Amtrak Station

DOGGY

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CShaveRR

Big Boy:

Please don't shoot the messenger...the railroad says Ford is the primary customer, and that would be good info. I suspect that it's parts business that previously moved by truck, so the CP action should be safe.

Young whippersnapper Carl
(I haven't been called that in a while, Zardoz!)

I wasn't trying to shoot the messenger, just trying to figure out the message, cause it strikes me as a bit odd, that's all. I believe you.[:D][;)]

I did go on a bit of a hunt yesterday, and thought I saw a spot over on the east side of St Paul, next to 3M where something was being built. Just not sure what.

[UPTRAIN]

Wasn't that in TRAINS like 3 months ago?

[Big_Boy_4005]

I crossed the UP tracks a few times yesterday, and one of those times there was a 3 vehicle track crew out working. One was clearly grooming the ballast, and another looked like it was for checking verticle alignment. For non welded rail, this section was looking pretty sharp. I'm getting anxious to see these things.[swg]

[bjc77]

I was just going to ask about this topic to see if anything was new, I haven't been around in a while. I've also seen track crews out on the Adams Sub around South Beaver Dam. I'm also interested to see something new/more on this line.

[jeaton]

Lambert's Point-That's likely Norfolk & Western-colors if not actually the actual source of the car.

My guess-Roadrailer boogies sitting at the Amtrak station probably means that roadrailers are still tacked on the end of the Empire Builder. Amtrak express business is still a money looser and all of it is probably on the (chopping) block. Those boogies will go about as fast as it takes to write out a bill of sale.

[Anonymous]

i frequently see the east bound empire builder on the way to work. usually meet it along ayd mill road. it is still pulling roadrailers. usually 1-3 of them. have seen up to 5 tho.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tomtrain

Was at the Twin Cities Transfer Road Amtrak station last Saturday for the first time since 1989. Noticed the track-in-paved area with roadrailer bogies. Is Amtrak still moving roadrailers on the Empire Builder?

Also, three restored private cars were at the platform; two heavy-weight observations (one in WC colors, one in what looked like SOO maroon called Lambert's Point) and a MILW RD parlor? car (original MR colors). Neat.

Looking forward to the renaissance of the "400", roadrailer style.

Roadrailers? YUP[:)]

Sounds like we have a bunch of Twin Citians here. COOL[8D]

[UPTRAIN]

It would be neat to see more Roadrailers across the country.

(48 more posts untill my 3 green stars.

[Anonymous]

Hello,

Drove home from work today along US 12, which parallels the CNW line. About 5 miles west of Menomonie a large track crew was working (12-15 persons) with a variety of self propelled equipment. A section of ribbon rail had been dropped about two weeks ago at the curve where the track is closest to the highway--this is the site of a derailment in the winter about 11 years ago--this location may be called Tegarden on some timetables.

Also, there is a Sperry inspection truck at the Super 8 motel in Menomonie.

Paul

[Big_Boy_4005]

Wow, sounds like Uncle Pete is really serious about bringing some real traffic to the old route of the 400's. It will be interesting to see if the NIMBYs along the tracks start to whine as more trains come through. I live just a couple of miles from the tracks, and would love to hear the horns anytime!!!!

Day or Night!!!!

[swg]

[LWales]

Guys,
Got a forwarded copy of a UP employee newsletter for the Chicago region and the Chicago to Twin Cities Roadrailers are supposed to begin around July 15 with four trips each way per week. The trains will run the route with only two crews--probably making the change at Adams, WI.

Lance

[Anonymous]

From what yard in Chicago will this train originate from? What route will NS use to get to UP's Milwaukee sub?

[Anonymous]

My contact at Triple Crown says the ramp is completed. They're using it as a staging area for the RoadRailers they bring in OTR from Chicago. She doesn't know the address of the ramp yet though. If anybody has heard or discovered where it is, please post it. They now have enough inbound traffic, but they're looking for more out bound traffic.
I saw one TC RoadRailer westbound in I-94 near Eau Claire WI last Thursday.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Maybe I can try another hunt tomorrow. Drake Street in St Paul might be a good place to look. That's where they do their auto unloading, and It's not far from the Ford plant, if that's their big customer. WE WILL FIND THIS THING!!!![swg]

[CShaveRR]

The trains will go through Proviso, and take the Milwaukee Sub (we used to call it the New Line) all the way.

[CShaveRR]

Little more on this...service is supposed to start next month, with dedicated pools for the crews (two crews to make the trip, instead of the usual four). The reason the UP line was chosen is apparently that it has the capacity, which BNSF, CN, and CP seem to lack.

Anyone else hear the rumor about Triple Crown service eventually coming to Madison, Wisconsin? UP would be utilized again, and it would require them to take back their line between Janesville and Madison (which is currently leased to Wisconsin & Southern).

I hate to admit this, but I have yet to see a train of Roadrailers on NS! (I've seen a couple of the units on Amtrak trains, and remember well the ones that were on the C&O in Michigan in the 1960s, but these trains are going to be as much of an eye-opener for me as they are for a lot of folks on this end of the UP.) Can't wait!

[Anonymous]

Minn needs more amtrak service.

[bjc77]

The Adams Sub is getting more work today, a section of track washed out by Randolph after the 9+ inches of rain that fell around here wednesday night. If that wasn't bad enough it rained all day thursday as well. Haven't heard a total yet but more on the way for tonight.

CShaveRR, I am just curious about the rumor with Triple Crown running into Madison. I don't see any need for it since the GM plant is in Janesville. I'm sure the liberals in Madison would have a fit if there was any more train traffic.