Triple Crown to Minneapolis

[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. [;)]

[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]

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

[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]

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

[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]

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