Trackside Lounge: 1Q 2010 Edition

[The Butler]

CShaveRR

We stayed indoors (except to clear away snow) yesterday, so nothing to report on area railroads. All I know is what I read in the "papers". And this morning I happened across two gems: First, yet another plan about what to do with Chicago's Union Station. I hadn't known that the other plan had fallen through: http://www.utu.org/worksite/detail_news.cfm?ArticleID=50882 And then, a neat place to stay, if you have the fortitude and the funds: http://www.utu.org/worksite/detail_news.cfm?ArticleID=50869 Now we'll be off for shopping and grandchildren (not necessarily in that order). See what gems we can buy, see, and hear.

Carl, here is the Inn's website:

http://www.izaakwaltoninn.com/gn441.html

They show a floor plan of the locomotive suite.

[blhanel]

Joanie and I just missed out on being there when the loco arrived- it came a week after we left in mid-August.  She has no interest in a return visit, regardless of what accommodations we choose.

[CShaveRR]

Thanks, folks! I had found the website earlier, James, and the interior (and exterior!) looks nice. The cabooses also require a two-night stay, so I'm not sure this would be a place for us peripatetic types. Were we to land in the area, the only things we'd make use of would be the bed and probably the TV. Not sure what we'd do during the intervening day, but I guess the park would have tours.

Signal bridge components have been placed by Finley Road. The horizontal portion of the bridge has the signals pre-installed--hope they don't put it up backwards!

[CShaveRR]

I just love it when a couple of headlines are fortuitously posted next to each other.

On UTU's website:

"Expect Delays on Northstar Commuter Rail"

"Northstar Rail Exceeds Expectations."

Actually, the Northstar news is almost all good, thankfully: the delays are a temporary thing, due to a BNSF derailment.

___________________

Very brutal day at work today. The snow we got overnight wasn't the culprit, but nobody was left out. Tower A (that's me!) inherited a plugged potty, and suffered a dislodged retarder beam that interrupted things for a while. Tower B inherited a switch problem and a retarder failure. And Tower C inherited a broken furnace and suffered a switch that fell apart under two loaded cars, derailing them, "sewing in" one of the locomotives, and taking three tracks out of service. This was on top of a similar incident yesterday.

In spite of all that, we got over 600 cars over the hump, and reduced the receiving yard count by 500 in the process. I suffered three in-wrongs, so that was a .995 average.

__________________

Looking on the bright side...well, it was bright out there! It was great to see blue skies for a change, and the cloud bank off to the east was impressive, as long as we didn't have to travel through northwestern Indiana!

[CShaveRR]

Today is the 39th anniversary of the beginning of my professional railroad career. It was also a Saturday back in 1971 when I got my first call. The preceding Monday through Friday had been spent in classroom training, culminating in a rule test on Friday.

That first call was for a pulldown job in the Middle. I knew the mechanics of what I was doing--couple up a few tracks in the bowl, double them together, take them all out. But I didn't realize or understand what we did with them then (we were shoving them out onto the departure tracks--being on the head end, I may have thought it was yet another double, so cutting the cars off and leaving them came as a surprise to me every time). It was an interesting crew--Carl the "pigeon", Carl the engineer, and Carlos the conductor (we had one other brakeman whom I can't remember by name). Carlos complimented me on how well I did for the first time out.

My second job was on a transfer run--at least I understood that one! We went to Wood Street with cars twice, and brought two trains back, barely finishing with the second one within 14 hours (the limit back then), and well into March 1.

[Deggesty]

CShaveRR

Today is the 39th anniversary of the beginning of my professional railroad career. It was also a Saturday back in 1971 when I got my first call. The preceding Monday through Friday had been spent in classroom training, culminating in a rule test on Friday.

 

That first call was for a pulldown job in the Middle. I knew the mechanics of what I was doing--couple up a few tracks in the bowl, double them together, take them all out. But I didn't realize or understand what we did with them then (we were shoving them out onto the departure tracks--being on the head end, I may have thought it was yet another double, so cutting the cars off and leaving them came as a surprise to me every time). It was an interesting crew--Carl the "pigeon", Carl the engineer, and Carlos the conductor (we had one other brakeman whom I can't remember by name). Carlos complimented me on how well I did for the first time out.

 

My second job was on a transfer run--at least I understood that one! We went to Wood Street with cars twice, and brought two trains back, barely finishing with the second one within 14 hours (the limit back then), and well into March 1.

Congratulations, Carl! I don't know when you were promoted to conductor, but you certainly beat me. As I have commented before, when I was in high school, I thought that the best ever work was that of railroad conductor, but I made it only half way, spending 31^1/4 years in the semiconductor industry.

 

[AgentKid]

Congratulations, Carl!

I never got to hear my father's first day stories but I did hear some of his early days one's. He never spent a minute of classroom time learning how to be an operator or agent, but that isn't how it was done in 1947. He spent a number of months learning how to telegraph and all of the other duties involved from the Station Agent at Meyronne, SK. And he did it all on his own time after his regular job at the local post office. He started hauling mail bags back and forth to the station and realized that was going to be his way out of Saskatchewan. Mom and me were just talking about Dad's railway career yesterday and as she has said many times before, he never regretted a minute of it.

Deggesty

As I have commented before, when I was in high school, I thought that the best ever work was that of railroad conductor, but I made it only half way, spending 31^1/4 years in the semiconductor industry.

 

GREAT JOKE, Johnny!

Bruce

 

[CShaveRR]

Found another good one this morning, on the Railway Age news page (just don't think about it too hard):

Sound Transit begins work addressing rail noise

(If they're too successful, will they have to change their name?)

[CShaveRR]

A trip to a couple of suburbs west of here shows that UP has erected two more of its new signal bridges, one in downtown Glen Ellyn and another between Glen Ellyn and Wheaton. Both of these bridges have new signal heads already in place--two signal heads per track for one direction and one for the other. The signal bridge to be erected at Lombard (Finley Road) seems to have the same configuration.

However, none of this really gives me a clue to exactly where the anticipated crossovers will be installed. At those points, I'd expect a pair of bridges fairly close together, with signals on the entering side only. Nothing I've seen so far appears to be like that. There are reportedly going to be two sets of crossovers installed--one at Lombard and one at Wheaton.

We saw a number of trains in our trip. Two manifests met each other on the stretch between Lombard and Glen Ellyn (I didn't see the power, but the westbound train could easily have been the West Chicago local, running with the two Dash 9s still in full CNW lettering). While stopped for lunch in downtown Glen Ellyn, we saw both scoots for that hour. And coming home, we waited for a coal train at Finley Road--moving right along, with two units on the point and a DP unit at the hind end. The cars were NORX gons, so it was probably headed to Michigan City or Wheatfield, Indiana.

Can't wait to have a look at the page on West Chicago in the current issue of Trains. They make it sound so appealing, but it's something we just kind of take for granted around here. And for personal reasons, I still prefer Elmhurst for my train-watching.

[CopCarSS]

CShaveRR

(I didn't see the power, but the westbound train could easily have been the West Chicago local, running with the two Dash 9s still in full CNW lettering)

Those two are still out there kicking? That's nice to know!

Meanwhile, there's not too much to report out here. I guess the Moffat Line is seeing some new activity -- BNSF Coal Drags and a detoured PASKCKs -- but I've been too busy shooting basketball games lately to spend any time trackside. Additionally, I'll be headed out kinda in Tree's neighborhood (though not quite all the way there) later this week.

Oh! One good piece of news, though! It looks like the GLRR will be finally running steam again this year! The Hawaiian Prairie, #12, is finally up to snuff and ran last week! She's got a fresh coat of black paint and a new headlight. She may not have her Hawaiian charm anymore, but she does look more at home on Coloradoan Narrow Gauge rails.

I have a feeling this is going to be a great steam summer for me!

[CShaveRR]

Have a nice time in western New York, Chris--I know you will, and I hope to see some photographic results posted here, too! From what I heard, Buffalo got hit in this latest storm (they've had less snow than New York City this winter, I think), but there shouldn't be any effects lingering that long, I'd think.

[CopCarSS]

They did get some snow out of the last storm, but points east got the worst of it. It may not be the prettiest time of year to go, but I'm definately still looking forward to it!

[tree68]

If Buffalo is anything like my area, you'll be seeing patches of grass...

I'm headed to Maryland this weekend - I'll see if they're dug out yet.

[CShaveRR]

Before the weekend is over, our temperatures might be pushing 50. We only got to (not above, just "to") 40 once during the entire month of February--40 is the normal high for March 1. In spite of temperatures that got into the (lower) 30s today, it feels nothing like spring.

Car repaired, income taxes filed today. Relatively little money was involved in any of the transactions (fortunately for the former, unfortunately for the latter). Now I can listen to all of those income-tax commercials with a clear conscience.

Nothing unusual observed on the rails today...we'll see what tomorrow brings after I've started the new work week.

Larry and Chris, safe travels this weekend...I envy you folks.

[The Butler]

Hey, y'all, I've got a question.

The other day I saw on the UP's Bonne Terre Industrial Spur a large, red, square sign.  It had a white border (similar to a Stop sign) and a white "X" going from corner to corner.  Is this a "STOP" sign, a "DO NOT ENTER" sign, or something else and what is the railroad term for this sign?

Thanks, y'all.  

[CShaveRR]

The railroad term would be a Stop Sign, but this variant doesn't appear in my Special Instructions. Was the sign in the middle of the track or alongside the track? In the middle of the track, a solid read sign would indicate that the trackage beyond was out of service.

[The Butler]

CShaveRR

The railroad term would be a Stop Sign, but this variant doesn't appear in my Special Instructions. Was the sign in the middle of the track or alongside the track? In the middle of the track, a solid read sign would indicate that the trackage beyond was out of service.

It was on the left side of the track, attached to a line side post.  If I had to guess, it was a foot and a half to two feet square.

[CNW 6000]

Hey folks,

I thought I'd pop in and say hi.  Been pretty busy at work and home lately thus no time for online fun and games.  Finally had a day somewhat 'off' and here's it's 10 to 6 and I'm finally with some 'down' time.  About the only thing to report is what I think is a 'new' intermodal train on the CN (118/119?) and lots of potash and autorack movements.  I'll hopefully have more time this weekend and keep up on the goings on.

Later,
Dan

[CShaveRR]

James, we have a rectangular white sign with a black "X" to the corners, that's a flanger signal (lift the flanger; an obstruction like a switch or grade crossing is here). It doesn't sound like your sign, except for the "X".

Dan, good luck in your observations. Only thing I can report is that the signal bridge at Finley Road has been put up. Still doesn't help me theorize where the crossovers will be, but I can look forward to having something to interpret very close to home.

[edblysard]

James,

red flag with a corner to corner X, which may be white paint or a reflective white tape, with or without an edge border, is a crossing warning, usualy installed to warn train crew of a hidden or obscured crossing, often inside industries or a plant.

[The Butler]

edblysard

James,

red flag with a corner to corner X, which may be white paint or a reflective white tape, with or without an edge border, is a crossing warning, usualy installed to warn train crew of a hidden or obscured crossing, often inside industries or a plant.

Thanks, since it recently showed, is it reasonable that there is a new grade crossing?  It is set just North of the existing grade crossing that has "whistle" signs, crossbucks, flashing lights and bell.  The line is the former single track main line of the Mississippi River and Bonne Terre (pronounced bon tare) Railway that no longer goes North of Bonne Terre.  It is rather open terrain, however the line does curve a little North of the crossing.  I did not think any trains traveled North of Desloge (pronounced d-loge where the "g" sounds like a "j").  I know there is a glass plant that gets covered hoppers in Desloge (South of the crossing).  I am not aware of any industries beyond the glass plant.  That doesn't mean there aren't any!

Well, it's probably more information than you need.  I am in a bit of a "Railroad Desert"  and that is the closest "active" line to where I live.  I use the term "active" loosely because, in four years, I have only seen a train there once.

[edblysard]

We use them to warn of contractor crossings, temp crossings, hidden or obscured crossings in plants...sometimes our MOW have to jerry rig a temp crossing of our main to reach a siding or a industry track to affect repairs, and they install this sign to warn us, the T&E folks, that a crossing is there now whene before there was none.

With out a photo of the flag or sign and the surrounding area it is hard to say what it would be protecting.

Possible there was a crossing that has been removed and they simply forgot to remove the flag (sign)

[CShaveRR]

Nice to hear about these from a railroader who's seen them! Good explanation, Ed!

Brutal day at work today; I was apparently not at my best. No major disasters, thankfully, and I did catch a switch failure that could have put us out of business for a lot more than the ten minutes or so that it took to fix.

[mudchicken]

Carl:

Sounds like a weed weasel was in the 'hood or you had the old absolute "stop" sign with a red/yellow sign for a form "B" somewhere up to two miles in advance. (Don't go past the red sign without permission of the person who set it.)

[CShaveRR]

I know those red/yellow signs pretty well, MC. What James saw sounds a bit different--and I'll bet our Houston correspondent has nailed it (or posted it).

We came to work this morning to find our yard trashed, as it were--classifications with no place to put them, three tracks with rehumps on them, and other classifications in very strange places. The second shift worked twelve hours last night, and wasn't given the time to clean up after themselves, or to make room for the cars they had to hump. So we felt like we stepped into it, with almost 800 cars in the receiving yard. Well, we got the place straightened out, and the Yard 9 count down to under 500. Rumor has it that the third shift on Friday nights will be reinstituted next week. Also got the news that the son of one of our CROs was called back to work for his job on the main line, so things are looking up.

[The Butler]

 Well, guys, I took a trip up to Desloge (day off) to check out that sign and the area.  Low and behold, the sign had been moved to the other side of the pole (now right-hand side of tracks for a south bound train) and a maintenance crew had the signal box open and a trench dug under the tracks next to the grade crossing just south of the sign.  There was a similar sign protecting the other side of the crossing.  Now, we know what it was for!

Thanks for all your input. 

[CShaveRR]

Wait a minute....!

From Railway Track and Structures:

On March 5, Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-Ill) joined House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-Minn.), Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and IDOT Secretary Gary Hannig for the groundbreaking on the Englewood Flyover, which is now expected to begin this year thanks to $133 million in new federal funding.

The Englewood Flyover will make high-speed rail possible by building a bridge to carry the Metra Rock Island District line over the Norfolk Southern/Amtrak tracks at 63rd Street in Chicago. It will eliminate 7,500 annual passenger hours of delay for riders on Metra's Rock Island District line, facilitate Chicago-to-St. Louis high-speed rail, and reduce freight delays. In addition, it is the critical first step toward eliminating 32,000 annual passenger hours of delay for riders on Metra's Southwest Service line.

Now, why didn't I think of that? If they start the Chicago-St. Louis trains somewhere out around Porter, they can build up quite a bit of speed before they shoot through Chicago!

[mudchicken]

CShaveRR

Wait a minute....!

 

From Railway Track and Structures:

 

On March 5, Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-Ill) joined House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-Minn.), Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and IDOT Secretary Gary Hannig for the groundbreaking on the Englewood Flyover, which is now expected to begin this year thanks to $133 million in new federal funding.

 

The Englewood Flyover will make high-speed rail possible by building a bridge to carry the Metra Rock Island District line over the Norfolk Southern/Amtrak tracks at 63rd Street in Chicago. It will eliminate 7,500 annual passenger hours of delay for riders on Metra's Rock Island District line, facilitate Chicago-to-St. Louis high-speed rail, and reduce freight delays. In addition, it is the critical first step toward eliminating 32,000 annual passenger hours of delay for riders on Metra's Southwest Service line.

 

Now, why didn't I think of that? If they start the Chicago-St. Louis trains somewhere out around Porter, they can build up quite a bit of speed before they shoot through Chicago!

Must be a stealth crossover and interlocking at Joliet involved!

[CShaveRR]

Actually, MC, there is a connection between the old RI and the old GM&O at the diamond in Joliet, and it would be in the right direction. And many years ago, there was more than talk about a connection from the old PRR (think Amtrak now) to the RI at Englewood, so that the RI commuter trains could have operated out of Union Station and LaSalle Street Station be eliminated (that idea seems totally ridiculous these days!). They went so far as to add structural work to the bridges in the immediate area of the crossing for this. That would be the way to run St. Louis trains through Englewood (as if that were a lofty goal), but a flyover would probably preclude such a connection.

[CShaveRR]

In what seems to me to be an unusual move, Railway Track and Structures published a revised story about its Englewood Flyover, effectively moving Englewood off the path of the Chicago-St. Louis high-speed service, while still keeping the option open for other high-speed routes. Have a look!

A $133-million federal stimulus project to build a railroad "flyover" at the Metra, Amtrak and freight tracks in Englewood on Chicago's south side will untie a knot in the nation's rail system and make way for high-speed rail, government and rail officials said Friday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

"The single biggest source of delays in the Midwest is right here at the Englewood crossing," said Amtrak chair Thomas Carper, at an announcement at the project site at 63rd Street. "This project is going to fix that. That's how important this is."

The project will create a railroad bridge to carry the north-south Metra Rock Island District line over the east-west Norfolk Southern/Amtrak tracks at 63rd St., near the Dan Ryan Expy. Ground will be broken on the project later this year, and it will be completed by 2012, said U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Chicago), who has promoted the project as part of the Chicago Regional Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) program.

The project is expected to create 1,450 jobs, improve traffic on the Metra Rock Island line and cut Amtrak and freight delays. The triple-tracked bridge will carry Metra operations over all four tracks of the Norfolk Southern, and possibly a fifth track for a high-speed intercity passenger rail connection to points east and/or south. The flyover is also a first step toward future CREATE projects that would cut delays on Metra's Southwest Service line, according to Lipinski.

The crossing sees 78 Metra trains, 46 freight trains and 14 Amtrak trains daily. "With all that traffic, it is unavoidable that we have conflicts and delays," Lipinski said.

The announcement also was attended by Mayor Daley, Gov. Quinn, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) and U.S. Rep. James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.), chair of the House Transportation Committee.

Oberstar said the current track intersection is "the very symbol of gridlock and congestion."

(End of article) Congestion, yes. I don't see how the crossing can cause gridlock--there's no real "grid" involved here, and most dispatchers strive to keep their crossings clear.