Thanks, Carl. I know we're still looking for those other answers but I have another question. (Gee, look what else a new 'confuser' brings- more questions, but...lots of learning, so it's all good!)
On another thread, it mentions GE P42DC's. I was thinking, IIRC those are only AMTRAK and I found VIA RAIL, too. Are they used by anyone else? If not, are they only suited to passenger rail; why? Does it really pay (must be!) for a loco builder to design and build a special loco for just 2 companies? Thanks in advance.
Nance-CCABW/LEI
“Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” --Will Rogers
Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right! --unknown
Back for a minute, in the middle of today's busy schedule...
The P42DCs. The "P", for "passenger" would be the best clue to the intended use of this model. Other clues would be the gearing for higher speed, the unusual carbody design, making it light enough for a big prime mover (and the generators for head-end power) to ride on four axles, and the requirement that a big-name industrial architect design the carbody, which may or may not be to everyone's taste.
Before I forget (again!), a big happy birthday to Stacey ("Momma") Kohnen! Hope you have an enjoyable time with Joe and Matt, in spite of the weather that's headed your way.
Carl
Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)
CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)
Air for the horns isn't going to come from the brake side of the air system - that would make it possible to set the brakes using the horn (not a desireable outcome). Although it may be further regulated, the air for the horns (and bell) will come from the main reservoir, which typically runs at ~130 lbs vs the trainline's 90 lbs.
Various railroads like(d) various tunings of their horns. Thus you can (or could) often tell which railroad a locomotive belongs to simply by recognizing the chord of it's horn.
Some like a nice mellow mix, some go for the discordant. The horn hobbyist sites get into that in pretty good detail.
As for the emergency application - since such an application dumps both the service and emergency reservoirs on each car, you're going to have to charge both back up. That's going to take about the same amount of time as the initial charge on a train.
For a real-time demo - sometime when you're at the throttle, not moving, handbrake set, and with nothing else to stop you from doing so, dump the train. Wait the requisite minute or so, then start charging the train again. When your air stops flowing, you'll have your answer.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Thanks, guys!
Larry, I just took a cab ride on your fine line (vicariously through video, of course); what is that sign along the tracks that is a chevron, dark w/white outline? It said it was between MP55 and Thendara.
WMNB4THRTL what is that sign along the tracks that is a chevron, dark w/white outline? It said it was between MP55 and Thendara.
what is that sign along the tracks that is a chevron, dark w/white outline? It said it was between MP55 and Thendara.
It's for the flangers and/or plows. In that particular case, you're entering a narrow rock cut, so if the plow wings are out, it's time to pull them in.
Between H55 and Thendara it would have been for the "Camel's Hump." Here's the view southbound:
Oh, thanks. That's makes sense. I should have made the connection, but ours are half a chevron and yellow, IIRC.
BTW, since I'm on here, re that other matter I PM'd you about, he said about 50 avail for each day right now.
C.W. Harrier here (but still not as Harry as that former Fort Wayne mayor! )
This Forumist has observed extensive trackwork going on at the new Control point Y019, near the Grace Street level-and-straight-across. It would appear that all of the tracks need to have the rails replaced within the limits of the control point, mostly to install insulated joints. This past weekend they replaced Part A of Track 3 of 3, and yesterday it was Part B (east of the crossing). Today Track 3 was up and being run over. It is the only track that has had all necessary rebuilding (rail replaced and both switches in) completed.
Today the end-loaders were still hopping over all three tracks just as soon as the trains cleared, but nothing was out of service. We shall have to see what next weekend brings!
But that's just the Track Department. It appears that signal has unloaded material for the footings of the home signal bridges. Said material has not been positioned yet.
(Sorry, K.P.--imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, in this case!)
It's a dismal, wet day out there, with the afternoon temperatures taking a plunge. Pat and I worked at one of our local museums, helping shepherd through a couple hundred students who were visiting as part of their Underground Railroad educational tour.
Fortunately, I didn't have to go underground to see the trains, as UP runs right across the street. And since I was keeping track of time anyway, I made the following log of action through town, beginning at about 11 this morning:
1110 - Eastbound scoot, a little late.
1118 - Westbound scoot
1128 - Eastbound stack train, 3 units on the point.
1140 - Westbound EDGX empties (from Sheboygan), 2 units on the point, 1 DPU
1218 - Westbound scoot (eastbound doesn't run this hour).
1226 - Eastbound manifest, probably QNPSKP--one UP unit, two CSX units.
1244 - Westbound manifest.
1307 - Eastbound scoot
1322 - Westbound scoot
1325 - Eastbound WPSX coal train--2 and 1.
1340 - Westbound stack train
1352 - Westbound manifest, possibly MPRDM--a FXE unit was the middle of three units.
1405 - Eastbound scoot.
When we left, we noticed that an eastbound QNPSKP was sitting in the staging area, so he didn't get counted.
Tuesday is traditionally a slow day of the week. Still, we averaged about a train every 15 minutes, roughly two scoots and two freights per hour. There were forces working on the track at the new control point, but it appeared that all three tracks were in service.
Whoa; what a rotten day, weather-wise! It took me 30-35 mins when it should have been about 5 mins and an hour later, it took me about 40 mins for what normally takes 10 or so!! Several vehicles had their ditchfinders on. Two were smashed together so fully, I don't know how they'll get them apart, a rear-ender, that one was. The huge fire dept sirens mounted on their stations are going off all over the place!! It's been a LONG time since I've driven on roads THIS bad and a very long time since I've been this relieved to be home safely!! I sure had my doubts. Everybody stay safe out there, no matter where you are!!
WMNB4THRTLWhoa; what a rotten day, weather-wise!
Not a flake in the sky here east (and a little north) of you. That said, we had the same problem a few days ago, except many folks seemed to be into "stupid auto tricks," the most popular of which was "roll over..."
Heavy weather down in PA and environs, though - many severe weather watches and warnings, and at least one tornado so far.
Just sent in my availability to run camera at our PBS station for their annual merchandise auction. If the railroad underwrites a shift, I may work that in front of the camera. Smile!
That weather system passed to the north of us, for the most part. However, our temperature is dropping to winter levels, and we may wake up to a small amount of snow tomorrow. We aren't supposed to come out of this cold spell until at least a week from now.
Couldn't do much today except hear the trains go through. This morning I had my nuclear stress test; the most stressful part was 12 hours of fasting and 24 without caffeine beforehand. My heart did better today on the treadmill than it did a few weeks back. Now we just wait for results, to see what, if anything, the doctor was worried about. And I get to glow or whatever until the dye gets out of my system.
Tomorrow's my weekly chore with the Historical Society, so I'll be a little closer to the action--but might not want to stay out in the weather.
Carl, [EDIT: we'll continue to hope] you are OK!! And hey, look at it this way, you'll save on the night light bill!
Well, our 11 o'clock newscast just told us in our county alone, there were over 100 accidents today, including at least one fatality. [EDIT: Our early am news further states that in one 10 minute period, there were at least 22 accidents reported within the county yesterday--unbelievable!]
Glad to hear you made it home safe Nance. I will remain hopeful to hear that your test went ok Carl-and thanks for the other help you gave me over the phone. It was appreciated!
After a short while without really being trackside other than by happenstance...I pick the tail end of a snow/sleet storm to go! Crazy, right? It worked as my big catch was seeing one of the ex-BNSF "CN/BN" units in it's patched glory. I did have a productive couple of hours if I can toot my own horn over a few links.
Dan
Real nice shots, Dan! 'Cool' that you are not just a fair-weather railfan/photographer. It's unusual, at least to me, to see snowy train pics; I think it's a real nice change of pace!
Everyone stay safe, as I see on the national weather that yesterday was rough in many places around the country.
Well, one word that didn't describe me last night was "glowing". Here are a few more that don't describe me, (except for the "radioactive blood" part):
Spiderman, Spiderman, Does whatever a spider can! Spins a web, any size, Catches thieves just like flies! Look Out! Here comes the Spiderman. Is he strong? Listen, bud, He's got radioactive blood. Can he swing from a thread? Take a look overhead! Hey, there-- There goes the Spiderman.
I was looking at Dan's photos while watching the World Women's Curling Championship from Denmark. I really like that picture of the Q198. It reminds me of a YouTube video I stumbled across recently of a CP doublestack train in Ontario. Those doublestack containers coming out of the blowing snow above the photographer's head look really cool. I'm not too sure I would like to stand around waiting for the photo-op, but I think I would like to see it at least once. Nice picture.
Carl, the way things are going lately you might want to keep the fact that you have radioactive blood under your hat!
Bruce
So shovel the coal, let this rattler roll.
"A Train is a Place Going Somewhere" CP Rail Public Timetable
"O. S. Irricana"
. . . __ . ______
Well, we have another entry for the 'Oh no!' dept. Currently, we have a tanker truck rolled over on top of an auto. Bad enough all by itself; it's carrying haz mat and leaking!!
Calling Larry!
Nice photos, Dan - thanks for sharing !
In the caption for "CN 2196 South as L576", you commented about facing into the north wind and sleet/ snow/ ice mixture. But how'd the camera make out ?
More seriously - I really like the photos of the MOW guys at work. I've not seen them using the back-pack type 'leaf blowers' for snow removal before - I suppose they work better with a dry, light, fluffy snow than the heavy wet version that we sometimes get around here, which is more prone to compact into frozen slush or ice anyway.
I was tempted to say that it's too bad you couldn't get closer - but then you would not have had the amount or density of snow between you and them, which blurs and obscures and so emphasizes the conditions better than a clearer shot would. So the adversity worked in your favor that way, too, in my opinion.
Thanks again for sharing.
- Paul North.
P.S. - How about a photo of that Pettibone SpeedSwing with the jet engine attachment sometime ? Even if it's at rest . . . - PDN.
Paul_D_North_Jr Nice photos, Dan - thanks for sharing ! In the caption for "CN 2196 South as L576", you commented about facing into the north wind and sleet/ snow/ ice mixture. But how'd the camera make out ? More seriously - I really like the photos of the MOW guys at work. I've not seen them using the back-pack type 'leaf blowers' for snow removal before - I suppose they work better with a dry, light, fluffy snow than the heavy wet version that we sometimes get around here, which is more prone to compact into frozen slush or ice anyway. I was tempted to say that it's too bad you couldn't get closer - but then you would not have had the amount or density of snow between you and them, which blurs and obscures and so emphasizes the conditions better than a clearer shot would. So the adversity worked in your favor that way, too, in my opinion. Thanks again for sharing. - Paul North. P.S. - How about a photo of that Pettibone SpeedSwing with the jet engine attachment sometime ? Even if it's at rest . . . - PDN.
Paul-I should be able to get that. That piece usually doesn't go too far...may even be able to find it today, if I'm lucky. I didn't get closer to the MoW guys for a couple of reasons:1) Safety. I would have to almost get in their way or distract the Safety Officer/Spotter. Not gonna happen unless doing so would save someone's life.2) Trespassing. I was on public road or sidewalk for every picture. No picture is worth trespassing.3) They look better, as you indicate, with more flying snow in the picture.
Off on my new mission...thanks!
WMNB4THRTL Calling Larry!
Sorry, I'm only trained to the hazmat "operations" levels these days - which means I can run the scene, but I can't go anywhere near the "hot zone."
We use the "rule of thumb." If I can hide the scene behind my thumb, I'm far enough away (usually).
I'm sure the hazmat techs took care of it just fine, though.
Yeah - what I was also trying to say is that, "Doing the safe, right, and smart thing is also the better thing for the photo, too !"
Good luck with today's photo ventures, too !
Yea, I agree. Found out that there was a total of three cars involved, in addition to the tanker. All this adds to at least two school bus accidents this week locally. I guess Emergency Services have been real busy this week.
[EDIT: Oops, double posted with you, Paul. I was responding back to Larry's message.]
I was remiss on not complimenting you on your photographic efforts (and the excellent results!), Dan.
You must really have some rough weather out your way, Nance! I can't believe that people would have forgotten how to drive on wintry roads so quickly.
My chore combined nicely with something Pat was doing, so we went to Elmhurst for lunch after we finished our projects. We arrived about the same time as a coal train did, found a "loaded" manifest (meaning that I got lots of good stuff off it) just before we went in to eat, then a scoot, an inbound stack train, and a rare inbound "repo" move...empty stack cars being brought to one of our Chicago terminals (probably Global 1). Usually the balance of business makes westbound repo moves more likely.
(Before you ask, Nance , a "repo" move is exclusively empty stack cars being repositioned to where they're needed for loading. Over on BNSF they're called "baretables".)
When we got home just now, I had a message waiting for me: the nuke test turned up nothing abnormal in terms of heart function, heart rate, heart rhythm, blood flow, or blood pressure. Someone slightly more cynical than I (Pat, for instance) might say that it was a waste of time and money. We shall see.
"Good to go!" is great news ! But now you'll perhaps need to find some other excuse - er, reason - to not do something that's distasteful . . .
Paul: In your railroad safety training, you never had to sit through "Funeral For A Friend" in your On-Track Safety awareness training? (leaf blower/ snow blower incident featured prominently)
Smoky Feathers
Yes, I did - that's the one from Canada (CN), right ? Narrated by the middle age guy with the dark hair, and of course featuring the grieving widow, kids, and co-workers, etc. About 20 mins. long or so. I forgot about that detail, but not the message, of course: Don't let noisy equipment drown out the watchman's ability to hear a train coming, esp. if it can't be seen well in advance, such as in blowing snow. Thanks for the reminder.
P.S. - Links to a clip and catalog: http://www.visualarity.com/video/9304E.htm and http://www.visualarity.com/video/safety.html
"This award winning video packs a powerful message regarding the need to employ available protective measures against train traffic. Using four recreations of MOW fatalities on CN in recent years, it deals with the necessity of taking proper protection."
23 mins., $391 US. - PDN.
Carl, great news!! I'm very happy for you; better safe than sorry. (Must be all the hard work 'studying for your test' was worth it after all! )And yes, that would have been my first question.
Speaking of which, anyone know why a relatively short train would be sporting 12 locos? Are they repo'ing them? That was my guess.
Yes, both weather and drivers were amazing!!
Just got back from podiatrist; he's happy with the progress my foot is making, which, in turn, makes me happy!!
Good news all the way around, which makes us all happy!!
Sad News/ Sign Of The Times:
Manufacturers Railway (St. Louis) has filed to discontinue service. It reads like the tracks will remain (for a while) and the common carrier will cease to be. No more beer going out on trains and next to nothing coming in. The taxpayer subsidized water and trucking people have done in another one, abeit not a very big one.
AB 1075_0 over in the filings for today at STB. Who will ever forget those pristine Alco switchers?
mudchicken The taxpayer subsidized water and trucking people have done in another one, abeit not a very big one.
The taxpayer subsidized water and trucking people have done in another one, abeit not a very big one.
zardozOr would this be a better subject for a different thread?
I suspect that would be an interesting thread in and of itself.
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