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Trackside Lounge: 1Q 2011

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Posted by CShaveRR on Friday, January 28, 2011 4:05 PM

CSX has a whole slug o' slugs, Johnny!  They're in the 2200 and 2300 series, and look at first glance like any other Spartan-cab locomotive...until you realize that you're looking at what appears to be a GP30 or GP35.  (Some of these were GP40s as well.).  They have cabs, headlights, ditch lights, and anything needed for operation, but the only fan on the long hood is for the dynamic brakes, and they don't have more than a couple of access doors on the hood.

Carl

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Posted by Paul_D_North_Jr on Friday, January 28, 2011 4:10 PM

Carl - I've got to find that photo and/ or the note.  My mind is telling me they were in a pretty snappy livery - similar to Southern's black with white and gold stripes - and that I took the photo looking west from a moving car southbound on I-81 in the vicinity of Hagerstown, MD or Winchester, VA.  Maybe this weekend.

Nope - that doesn't apply to me at all, though I do enjoy it.  My hands are pretty steady from a lot of time at a drafting board, though my typing is none too good - "fat/ fumble fingers", yes - but no, the only shaking is of my head from side to side in amazement . . . Smile, Wink & Grin  Sweaty ?  No to that, too - usually a little too cold-blooded for that.  But the 130 years professional experience thing - OK, I'll take him up on that - let's see, that's about 95 more years to go . . . Whistling  Spelling - and grammar - speaks for itself - and me, too, of course, as you well know.   

What's really ironic is that I was watching that post and not particularly wanting to get involved with it, but seeing no replies for a while, I decided to check it out and make that suggestion, which you were wise enough to see and kind enough to post the merits of, too.  Funny thing is, though, Robin didn't change her subject line at all, as far as I could see - but despite that, the "Queen City Kid" (!) evidently decided to check out that thread anyway as I hoped and you too anticipated, and then came through beyond any reasonable expectations with not 1, but 2 superb and detailed answers.  I was also gratified to see that my speculation about some involvement or effect of the Cincinnati Southern back then wasn't too far off the mark.   That's all the satisfaction I need - but then that map resource was posted, and I don't think I'd seen that one before, so I'm calling it equal and a day . . . Smile, Wink & Grin

- Paul North.  

 

"This Fascinating Railroad Business" (title of 1943 book by Robert Selph Henry of the AAR)
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Posted by CShaveRR on Friday, January 28, 2011 4:22 PM

Try dark blue with yellow--yes, in their original paint scheme they had stripes.

Carl

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Posted by Deggesty on Friday, January 28, 2011 4:57 PM

CShaveRR

CSX has a whole slug o' slugs, Johnny!  They're in the 2200 and 2300 series, and look at first glance like any other Spartan-cab locomotive...until you realize that you're looking at what appears to be a GP30 or GP35.  (Some of these were GP40s as well.).  They have cabs, headlights, ditch lights, and anything needed for operation, but the only fan on the long hood is for the dynamic brakes, and they don't have more than a couple of access doors on the hood.

So, maybe I have seen them--and did not recognize them as being susceptible to salt (I have used salt to kill slugs)Smile. I can understand why CSX did not spend the money to remove all resemblance to real locomotives. Are they used all over the system? Of course, I have not lived in CSX territory for going on 37 years (and when I did live there, there was no CSX), and have been in such only once a year for the past four years--and hope to get there this year.

Johnny

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Posted by CNW 6000 on Friday, January 28, 2011 6:00 PM

Evening folks,

Carl/Jim: several little birdies in "ore country" have informed me that there are two loaded ore trains heading my direction.  The word I got is one will be leaving Stevens Point tonight sometime before 8 or 9 and the other tomorrow morning around sunrise (based on when they were loaded, says my source).  Tonight might be tough to catch...but tomorrow...

I've been busier on vacation than at work it would seem...got a new TV up and working as well as 7.1 surround & DVD player.  Also have several of the new windows on the front porch cased in and ready for blinds.  Crossed a few things from the "honey do" list today.

I'm going to be playing with a Nikon D5000 tomorrow.  Should be interesting to see what I can shoot with that vs the Canon PowerShot A590IS.

Dan

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Posted by zugmann on Friday, January 28, 2011 6:54 PM

Paul_D_North_Jr

Carl - I've got to find that photo and/ or the note.  My mind is telling me they were in a pretty snappy livery - similar to Southern's black with white and gold stripes - and that I took the photo looking west from a moving car southbound on I-81 in the vicinity of Hagerstown, MD or Winchester, VA.  Maybe this weekend.

 

Winchester & Western has a pair of slugs.  They have a yellow one that they grafted a cab onto, plus they did have (maybe still do) a black one with no cab.  Both were former Conrail MT4s.Their other engines are black with yellow stripes/lettering.  

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by CShaveRR on Friday, January 28, 2011 6:54 PM

I'm not sure where on the railroad they're using the slug sets, Johnny.  They are usually a GP40-2 and a slug, and quite often they're the sole power on trains.  The cab (and controls) is necessary so the slug can lead.  If it's properly maintained inside, I'd think you could get a nice, (relatively) quiet ride from them.


Dan, I'll be looking forward to updates on those ore trains.  I might be able to get to West Chicago tomorrow, if things are promising.

Carl

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Posted by WMNB4THRTL on Friday, January 28, 2011 7:46 PM

My goodness, that's great! Thanks, Paul, and the rest of you, too, of course! As you can well imagine, the photos help a lot.

I'm glad to get such good help with all this. I've now gotten some of my 'stuff' taken care of, so I hope to be able to get back to studying a bit more here pretty soon.

Nance-CCABW/LEI 

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Friday, January 28, 2011 9:11 PM

In my neck of the wodos CSX uses the slugs on work trains and ballast spreading trains. Had 2 south bound work trains past here today and the both had the slug leading. Both trains seemed to be limited to 25 - 30 MPH because of equipment being carried so that may explain the power set up.

When ever moving ballast trains go by they usually have fairly recent power but when they are dropping ballast the work train power usually is the road power.

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Posted by Paul_D_North_Jr on Friday, January 28, 2011 9:16 PM

Carl, Johnny, and anyone else who's interested in CSX slugs -

Go to RailPictures.Net, under "Select Railroad..." pull down to "CSX Transportation (CSXT)", at "Enter Keywords..." enter "slug", then click on "Find the Photos!" - you should get about 332 photos (none are mine) over 22+ pages.  But in just the 15 recent photos on the 1st page, there are several of an SD40-2 "mother" with a cut-down slug at Queensgate and Selkirk; hood-type Road Slugs 2368, 2303, GP40-2's 6968, 6428, and 6453 at Cleveland, Toledo, Greenwich, and Deshler, Ohio, lImeville, KY, and Iona Island, NY; GP30 2254 at Louisville, etc.

Similarly, for "Norfolk Southern", "slug", and "Pennsylvania", you should get about 38 recent photos, of which the following are the most notable:

Our local slug at the Allentown Yard: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=168735

An SD40-2 "mother' with 2 (!) slugs following: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=348278 

"New" 703 and 702 - the smooth sides at the rear of the 702 on the right are very noticeable: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=282884 

- Paul North.    

"This Fascinating Railroad Business" (title of 1943 book by Robert Selph Henry of the AAR)
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Posted by rvos1979 on Friday, January 28, 2011 10:41 PM

Carl, I have seen the GP40-2/slug sets used in local service in the Trenton-Middletown-Hamilton, OH, area, switching MillerCoors and other industries.  Occasionally one will see an extra GPxx unit if extra power is needed, but it's normally the mother/slug set.  There is a small yard just south of our Trenton shop, and that is in the middle of a wye, so we hear road trains, the Middletown steel trains, EVERYTHING.  Not too hard to get to sleep there, though....

Randy Vos

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Posted by zugmann on Saturday, January 29, 2011 9:21 AM

We had the 3075/702 set for a couple of months for testing.  Wasn't too bad in the yard (except for being very slippery), and it didn't work out too well for locals.  I think after 25mph the slug stopped loading or something... not good for a 30mph secondary track. 

The 702 was nice and quiet, though. 

 

Plus the whole problem of not being able to split the power when all you had was the mother and slug.

Now the yard switcher uses a SD40-2/6 axle slug (sans cab) set up.  When working, it doesn't pull too bad, but it does have awesome brakes.

 

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by Deggesty on Saturday, January 29, 2011 1:16 PM

CShaveRR

I'm not sure where on the railroad they're using the slug sets, Johnny.  They are usually a GP40-2 and a slug, and quite often they're the sole power on trains.  The cab (and controls) is necessary so the slug can lead.  If it's properly maintained inside, I'd think you could get a nice, (relatively) quiet ride from them.

Yes, the atmosphere in the cab of a slug would be much quieter than that in the cab of a unit with a prime mover. You reminded me of a part of my trip from Birmingham to Bristol on the Birmingham Special in October of '69--after we left the last scheduled stop before Chattanooga, I asked the flagman (who, along with the other men holding passenger trainman jobs on the AGS, knew me) if it would be possible for me to ride the engine. He took me up, obtained the engineer's okay for me to ride, and went back to the coach; I stayed there until we had passed through the Lookout Mountain tunnel and then walked back. Going through two E's in the dark (it was close to midnight) was an interesting experience.

Johnny

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Posted by WMNB4THRTL on Saturday, January 29, 2011 7:03 PM

Hello. Hope you're all enjoying a good weekend. I've got a bit more to clarify.

1. Re: 'duty hours' or such. I know it's 12 hours on but how do they count that? Is it from when you get to the yard and start doing anything or is it when you pull out of the yard? How do delays or breaks figure in? If you are at the end of 12 hours, you need to stop wherever you are, right?

2. Also, can anyone help me with my ditch lights question?

Thanks; take care.

Nance-CCABW/LEI 

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Posted by zugmann on Saturday, January 29, 2011 7:47 PM

Time starts when you are on duty.  There's times a road crew may not even make it out of the yard in 12 hours.  

 

When 12 hour is up, you are done.  No more performing any kind of company service.  No moving trains, throwing switches, or paperwork.   You be done.  Now in case of an emergency you can break the 12 hours, but the company have a real good reason for ordering you to violate your 12 for the FRA.

Ditch light question: I believe you are thinking of ground lights.  They are there so the hogger can look down at night and see that the engine is actually moving.

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by CShaveRR on Saturday, January 29, 2011 9:43 PM

Zug's right on the hours of service.  You get the call to work, and are called for a certain time.  Your on-duty time commences right then.

Ditch lights shine out ahead of the train.  Originally (and perhaps still), the two lights were to be aimed so their beams would meet at a certain point ahead of the locomotive, and illuminate the side opposite their origin (possibly to see a little further ahead on curves).  Again, the ground lights are as Zug describes them.  Perhaps someone thought those were for illuminating the ditches. 

Carl

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Posted by WMNB4THRTL on Saturday, January 29, 2011 10:14 PM

Got ya; many thanks! Have a good night.

Nance-CCABW/LEI 

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Posted by Paul_D_North_Jr on Sunday, January 30, 2011 3:37 AM

See this photo (not mine):  http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=352803 

The "ditch lights" are the ones on the front walkway which are not lit.

The "ground lights" are the ones under the cab which are lighting up the sides of the trucks and the ground underneath.  I thought they were also to light up the ground for a trainman who was getting off - to see obstructions, holes, etc. - and to illuminate the steps/ ladder for one who was getting on board. 

- Paul North.   

 

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Posted by CShaveRR on Sunday, January 30, 2011 8:33 AM

Got word this morning of an incident at the BNSF's new bridge at Burlington--an explosive charge for demolition of the center pier of the old bridge went awry, damaging the new lift span.  It may be out of service for a couple of days.  Amtrak will be detouring over UP's line across Iowa and Illinois.

Carl

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Posted by CShaveRR on Sunday, January 30, 2011 12:04 PM

Eastbound Amtrak #6 is crossing Iowa on UP now.  The ATC leader for our line is UP 2002, one of the Olympic SD70 units.  I'm hoping that they get here before dark.  Dan reports that one of the CN ore trains is headed our way, too, with 200 jennies, three units on the point and three units at the hind end.  I think I shall head to West Chicago later this afternoon, and maybe catch 'em both!  We have places to be at 5:00, so I'm hoping to see everything there by 4:30 or so.


Speaking of places to be, I think the place we'll be to welcome in February is home!  Based on the Blizzard Watch that has been issued for our area, we don't want to go further than our local grocery store on Tuesday.  They're talking about up to 18 inches in our corner of the Lake, and up to 24 in Indiana Lake-effect zones.

Carl

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Posted by zugmann on Sunday, January 30, 2011 12:09 PM

Paul_D_North_Jr

See this photo (not mine):  http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=352803 

The "ditch lights" are the ones on the front walkway which are not lit.

The "ground lights" are the ones under the cab which are lighting up the sides of the trucks and the ground underneath.  I thought they were also to light up the ground for a trainman who was getting off - to see obstructions, holes, etc. - and to illuminate the steps/ ladder for one who was getting on board. 

- Paul North.   

 

 

There's separate step lights for that purpose - they are located within the step wells.  The ground lights are only under the cab.  There's also walkway lights and engine room lights.

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by CShaveRR on Sunday, January 30, 2011 12:45 PM

My suspicions are that Amtrak should be getting close to Clinton by now...breaking out my scanner for use on the road!

Carl

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Posted by zugmann on Sunday, January 30, 2011 1:20 PM

So I have today off. Working nights all week (big surprise), I get up really late. But they were calling for 34-38 degrees with lots of sunshine in the afternoon. I have a new lens that I still have not yet given a good trial, thus having it for 2 weeks. 2pm and completely overccast. Unreal. If I did my job like meteorologist, I would have been fired long ago.

 

.

 

 

 

 

 

PS. and is this forum software being a royal pain for anyone else today? Now I can't add paragraph breaks.  Maybe I should just go back to bed.

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by WMNB4THRTL on Sunday, January 30, 2011 1:36 PM

Carl, Sounds like maybe you should get ready to follow my grandma's advice: Crawl in a hole and pull the hole in after ya!

Zug: You mean the weather guessers were wrong?! Whodda ever thunk it?! Huh! And remember, they make big bucks for that!! Better luck next time with the pics.

PS It seems to be working for me, but then again, ya never know.

Nance-CCABW/LEI 

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Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right! --unknown

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Posted by zugmann on Sunday, January 30, 2011 1:39 PM

Seems to be better now...

Maybe my modem was having the fits - I did reset it.  Seems to be working.

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by CNW 6000 on Sunday, January 30, 2011 3:42 PM

I hope you catch 'em Carl!  I did shoot video from the proper 'sunny' side.  Today was a good railfanning day.  I caught (in order):
-A415 (UP 6457 & 6404-an SP patch),
-M341,
-M347X (Extra),
-M340 (w/DPU),
-Q198,
-Q199,
-U780 (Ore train 3x200x2),
-M342,
-A491
As I was leaving town L576 and A416 (return of A415) were approaching Neenah...but my lil' navigator decided he needed to go home (picked him up from Grandma K just after seeing A491. 

I'm not counting the following locals because I didn't 'shoot' them:
-YNE158 (day switch job),
-L523,
-L531,
-L535,
-L595.

16 trains from 0745 through 1330.  Not too shabby IMO.  Pictures and video up later if I get time.

Dan

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Posted by CShaveRR on Sunday, January 30, 2011 4:36 PM

Back home in time for our "place to be" later this evening.  I was out at West Chicago, but didn't see Jenny, Jenny, Jenny, Jenny, Jenny & Company before needing to head home.  I did, however, catch both Amtrak detour moves, after a fashion.  The westbound came through West Chicago at 1455, with UP 4779 leading Amtrak 193 and 47.  I also saw the eastbound well enough to confirm that the Olympic unit was on the point, but it was on the wrong side of an empty coal train for me to get the numbers off the trailing units.

Still, it's kind of amazing that for all the times Amtrak detours over our line, and all the times I've known about it, and the times I've told others about it, this is the first time I've ever seen one for myself--and made it a double!

My train count on UP was five trains, plus one Metra and two Amtrak, in less than two hours.  (I left my navigator at home; she accomplished lots!)

Carl

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Posted by WMNB4THRTL on Sunday, January 30, 2011 4:46 PM

All right, uncle (or is that aunt, cousin? Smile, Wink & Grin) already you guys! I'm jealous, in a big way!! Hopefully, it'll be my turn someday!! Glad you guys had such a great day.

PS What's the best way for me to figure out what's running through my area? I mean, I know look at Amtrak Timetable, got that one. Any way to get shortline schedules or is that out now with all the security?

Nance-CCABW/LEI 

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Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right! --unknown

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Posted by CNW 6000 on Sunday, January 30, 2011 5:40 PM

I believe that it's a violation of Federal law (what I was told) for a non-rr employee to obtain/posess a current timetable.  I certainly hope that's not correct and stand (well, sit-while typing) to be corrected.

Thanks!  I've added a few more locos to the roster.  My CN count is now over 550 and am nearing 1100 total.

Dan

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Posted by WMNB4THRTL on Monday, January 31, 2011 10:09 AM

WHOA!! Carl, I know you're a nice guy and all, but honestly, re: this storm, do you have to share the wealth??!! From the sounds of it, it oughtta have it all out of its system after it's done with you, but no such luck, I'm sure!(note: world's record for most use of a form of 'it' in one sentence Smile, Wink & Grin)

I hope everyone stays warm and safe; it looks like a real doozy!!! Take care.

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

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