cefinkjr rdettmer trouble for the bn. just heard track innspector take track one out of service. dispatcher has3 west bounds waiting. ouch Any particular reason given for taking the track out of service? My money is on our favorite diamond (BNSF #1 X UP #2). We on this thread have been watching that thing for months and commenting on equipment doing a "rock and roll" or "cutseying" as they pass over it. BTW: I just made up the (BNSF #1 X UP #2) notation although I may not be the first to use it. In any case, I think it's pretty descriptive.
rdettmer trouble for the bn. just heard track innspector take track one out of service. dispatcher has3 west bounds waiting. ouch
trouble for the bn. just heard track innspector take track one out of service. dispatcher has3 west bounds waiting. ouch
All the other routes BNSF 2 and UP 1 & 2 have 10mph restictions.... UP Dispatcher asked the UP Track person on scene what's needed to "fix the tracks". Didn't hear a response. All this in the middle of wider Form B territory on UP; sounds like the tie gang is working to the east.
The camera faces due WEST (could not be rotated in any direction and be more west).
Track 1 for both RRs is the northern most of the two pairs. Or, to the right of the pairs as seen from the camera.
Semper Vaporo
Pkgs.
Mr. Lynn, if you had a more sophisticated tie-replacement gang with on-track machinery like you describe, it would be impossible for UP to run trains the way they're doing. I suspect that CSX uses such machinery only when they have a "window" for repairing the tracks, and can roll these machines to a usable spur when their window has expired.Though UP could probably roll the machines off Track 2 into Global 3, that would also be time-consuming. The way they did it, they just had to step off the tracks and back the machinery away. Takes a minute or two. If they leave an uspiked tie or a hole in the roadbed while a train goes over it, no big thing.It doesn't seem like that long ago that the diamonds here were replaced, but it certainly sounds like it needs to happen again, or at least the roadbed underneath them needs major work...a little less dirt, a little more rock, a little deeper down.Ten miles an hour for all trains sounds like we'll be having a greater percentage of time when the webcam is showing something going across.Re terminology: just ask! Anyone will do his/her best to explain what he's saying.
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)
MrLynn OK, but which is #1 and which is #2? Assuming we're looking nominal north, I'd say the troublesome diamond is the northwest one (farthest left), though all the rock 'n' rollin' I've seen is on the UP trains; BNSF ones look pretty steady on my screen. /Mr Lynn
Semper Vaporo The camera faces due WEST (could not be rotated in any direction and be more west). Track 1 for both RRs is the northern most of the two pairs. Or, to the right of the pairs as seen from the camera.
ChuckAllen, TX
cefinkjr MrLynn OK, but which is #1 and which is #2? Assuming we're looking nominal north, I'd say the troublesome diamond is the northwest one (farthest left), though all the rock 'n' rollin' I've seen is on the UP trains; BNSF ones look pretty steady on my screen. /Mr Lynn Semper Vaporo The camera faces due WEST (could not be rotated in any direction and be more west). Track 1 for both RRs is the northern most of the two pairs. Or, to the right of the pairs as seen from the camera. Right, Semper, but I have always found it easiest to remember this by remembering "Even: East" or "Even numbered tracks (and trains) are Eastward". I know this begins to have less meaning with bidrectional signalling but fall back on imagining which track you would be on with right-hand running if you were eastbound. This applies to most railroads if you extend eastward to include northward. Of course, there were the few exceptions like C&NW; built by British engineers with British money and therefore laid out for left-hand running. Notice too that this refers to timetable direction. UP is running pretty much east-west by the compass at Rochelle but BNSF is running more northwest-southeast.
Semper Vaporo The camera faces due WEST (could not be rotated in any direction and be more west). Track 1 for both RRs is the northern most of the two pairs. Or, to the right of the pairs as seen from the camera. Right, Semper, but I have always found it easiest to remember this by remembering "Even: East" or "Even numbered tracks (and trains) are Eastward".
Right, Semper, but I have always found it easiest to remember this by remembering "Even: East" or "Even numbered tracks (and trains) are Eastward".
Each railroad that has multiple track territory specifies in their rules and/or TTSI how the tracks are to be numbered or named (in certain locations tracks may lose their MAIN track designation). All railroads DO NOT have the SAME numbering scheme to their tracks.
I have a territory where #2 and #3 are the MAIN tracks of a double track subdivision.
Geographical direction and Timetable direction are not necessarily the same. You have to know the specific territory before you can accurately apply the naming conventions for that territory.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Yes, every RR is different, but at Rochelle, I understand that the 'north most' track (physically on the ground) of both U.P. and BNSF are the #1 track.
There is a station somewhere in California (can't remember which) where more than one person has gotten on the wrong train because the station is in the middle of what amounts to a huge "S" curve and thus "Northbound" trains face south while at the station and vice-versa for "Southbound".
Just brought up the webcam, and it looks like a crew is working on that BNSF #1/UP #2 diamond right now. Their hi-railers were parked on top of it, and everyone was standing south of them while a slow-rolling westbound coal empty exited on UP #1.
Brian (IA) http://blhanel.rrpicturearchives.net.
The second hi-rail heavy truck is fairly recent at this point (about 7:05 PM) and Brian would have spotted a later EB coal train after the one I saw slow-roll by on track 1 about half hour ago or so.
Some serious stuff going on, it would seem, especially with the large number of other trucks still parked at the diamonds.
BaltACD All railroads DO NOT have the SAME numbering scheme to their tracks.
Most definitely true, Balt. My Even:East Rule of Thumb is just that: a Rule of Thumb that has about a 50:50 chance of being correct with 50% of all cases. That's why I asked several weeks (months?) ago about the track numbering in this territory. (C&NW being a previous owner of the BNSF trackage being another reason to ask).
Track numbering really got confusing when there were four or more main tracks. I hired out on NYC in '67 and survived the PC merger (sympathy still being accepted). NYC and PRR naturally used two different track numbering schemes (they couldn't do anything the same way for 100 years!).
NYC started with the two tracks in the middle of the RoW being #1 (Westward) and #2 (Eastward), The first track added on the north side of the RoW was #3 (still Westward). The first track added on the south side was #4 (still Eastward) even if there was no #3!
PRR started the same way but then seemed to just number additional tracks in the order in which they were added (regardless of direction); thus messing up the Even:East Rule of Thumb.
Or do I have it backwards? Anybody wonder why PC didn't work very well?
Semper Vaporo Yes, every RR is different, but at Rochelle, I understand that the 'north most' track (physically on the ground) of both U.P. and BNSF are the #1 track. There is a station somewhere in California (can't remember which) where more than one person has gotten on the wrong train because the station is in the middle of what amounts to a huge "S" curve and thus "Northbound" trains face south while at the station and vice-versa for "Southbound".
Both UP and BNSF subscribe to the General Code of Operating Rules, or GCOR. Under GCOR on an east/west subdivision, the northern most track is number one.
Out in the Omaha area there is a subdivision where the two main track portion is #3 and 4. It's less than 10 miles long and the last couple of miles it's next to another subdivision where the #1 and 2 main tracks are.
Jeff
They were just doing some work on the diamond this evening. Could not tell for sure but do they replace diamond sections as a unit because they had a crane truck there
I can't find any of my track diagrams at the moment, but as I recall, the NYC numbered the tracks on the Water Level Route something like 3-4-1-2 (north to south), with 3 and 4 being the freight mains and 1 and 2 the passenger mains.
The track that serves the platform at the Syracuse passenger station is track 7 - and there are just three tracks there, the others being 1 and 2. I'm sure it goes back to a time when there were 7 tracks there, or something of the sort.
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...
cefinkjrOf course, there were the few exceptions like C&NW; built by British engineers with British money and therefore laid out for left-hand running.
Just saw something very interesting on the webcam. Three men in their late forties-early fifties were standing at the top of the stairs, watching an EB UP mixed consist train going over the diamonds. These guys watched that train like my Dad used to watch trains, that is, they knew EXACTLY what they were looking at. They weren't concerned with engine paint jobs, or car numbers and colours, they were watching EVERYTHING, from the dirt below the ballast, up through the ties and rails, to the trucks, up to the floor line of the cars.
Earlier there had been a couple of autos parked across the tracks, and when they left, about 5-10 minutes later these guys were on the viewing platform. I wonder if they were large and in charge of some engineering or operating department office (Omaha, maybe?).
After a couple of minutes, before the train had completed crossing the diamonds, and only after the three of them had sort of nodded to each other and agreed on what they had seen, two of them moved out of sight below the camera. Then, I think the inner hobbiest of the third one got out, as he took two pictures on his smartphone of two different refers, but only after they had crossed the diamonds.
I think there is more major work to come.
Bruce
So shovel the coal, let this rattler roll.
"A Train is a Place Going Somewhere" CP Rail Public Timetable
"O. S. Irricana"
. . . __ . ______
After watching some railfans taking photos at Rochelle (and they seemingly not being fully aware of just where they are walking while the camera is obscuring their view of the lay of the land) I was wondering how the park administration gets away with an elevated platform that has a sheer dropoff of at least 6-ft above the surrounding land WITHOUT a FENCE!
I am not allowed to build a deck on my private property that is over 18 inches above the surrounding land without a railing to prevent someone from falling off, how's come this public park has no obstructions to keep people from taking a possibly fatal misstep?
I had to shut the video feed off because I was fearful of watching an inattentive photog taking one more step forward to get a better photo of the ground rushing up to smash the lens between the earth and his head.
Semper Vaporo ... I was wondering how the park administration gets away with an elevated platform that has a sheer dropoff of at least 6-ft above the surrounding land WITHOUT a FENCE!
... I was wondering how the park administration gets away with an elevated platform that has a sheer dropoff of at least 6-ft above the surrounding land WITHOUT a FENCE!
Because of the camera location and angles, it's difficult to be certain how high the upper viewing area is above the terrain on the sides toward the two railroads. They could be very close to grade with the ground descending toward the RoW but that's not very likely so I'll take your word for it.
Even if there is not a safety issue on those sides, there IS a very dangerous drop from the upper to the lower viewing area to the right of the stairs. Then there's the historical exhibit (?) to the left of the stairs; kids, just being kids, walk on that thing all the time. I've seen them all the way out to the end several times and find myself yelling at the parents to watch their kids.
Maybe the city of Rochelle can't be held liable under Illinois law. Otherwise, if anyone from the city watches this forum, I won't be surprised to see a crew fencing the viewing areas very soon.
cefinkjr Semper Vaporo ... I was wondering how the park administration gets away with an elevated platform that has a sheer dropoff of at least 6-ft above the surrounding land WITHOUT a FENCE! Because of the camera location and angles, it's difficult to be certain how high the upper viewing area is above the terrain on the sides toward the two railroads. They could be very close to grade with the ground descending toward the RoW but that's not very likely so I'll take your word for it. Even if there is not a safety issue on those sides, there IS a very dangerous drop from the upper to the lower viewing area to the right of the stairs. Then there's the historical exhibit (?) to the left of the stairs; kids, just being kids, walk on that thing all the time. I've seen them all the way out to the end several times and find myself yelling at the parents to watch their kids. Maybe the city of Rochelle can't be held liable under Illinois law. Otherwise, if anyone from the city watches this forum, I won't be surprised to see a crew fencing the viewing areas very soon.
Last year I observed an older gentleman, standing on the concrete block to the right of the stairs leading down to the patio and facing the UP tracks absent-minded step backwards , lose his balance, and fall at the bottom of the steps. Several people rushed to his aid, and after a few minutes to recover, escorted him back up the stairs toward the pavilion.
xjqcfLast year I observed an older gentleman, standing on the concrete block to the right of the stairs leading down to the patio and facing the UP tracks absent-minded step backwards , lose his balance, and fall at the bottom of the steps. Several people rushed to his aid, and after a few minutes to recover, escorted him back up the stairs toward the pavilion.
About 2:30 PM or so on August 9, 2014. Indeed a scary moment, for sure.
cefinkjr Because of the camera location and angles, it's difficult to be certain how high the upper viewing area is above the terrain on the sides toward the two railroads. They could be very close to grade with the ground descending toward the RoW but that's not very likely so I'll take your word for it. Even if there is not a safety issue on those sides, there IS a very dangerous drop from the upper to the lower viewing area to the right of the stairs. Then there's the historical exhibit (?) to the left of the stairs; kids, just being kids, walk on that thing all the time. I've seen them all the way out to the end several times and find myself yelling at the parents to watch their kids. Maybe the city of Rochelle can't be held liable under Illinois law. Otherwise, if anyone from the city watches this forum, I won't be surprised to see a crew fencing the viewing areas very soon.
The platform is 8-10 feet above the lower area. I don't recall ever seeing a warning or liability sign ever. I've almost stepped off it myself. When you are taking photos, you need to be aware of where you are.
The elevated platform is high on every side except the east side. So, yes, one could fall off on the north or south side too. And there is nothing soft down below.
Bunch of kids there now, basically using the historic track and wall as a jungle gym. The parents are around somewhere.
Then, I'd have done the same thing. I can remember playing on the big baggage carts at the station at Silver Spring, Maryland.
/Mr Lynn
MrLynn Then, I'd have done the same thing. I can remember playing on the big baggage carts at the station at Silver Spring, Maryland. /Mr Lynn
Our "thing" when I was young was riding mine cars from the tipple down to the mine entrance. This mine was operated with 1 horsepower pulling the cars out of the mine to the tipple where they were dumped into trucks for local delivery (most homes were heated by coal then) or to a truck dump for forwarding by rail. The miner(s) did what they could to secure the empties at or near the tipple on Friday but our "thing" was freeing the cars, hopefully in a way that would not be obvious to the miners on Monday. We handicapped ourselves by being careful not to damage anything.
Some kids rode the cars INTO the mine through the wooden gate at the mine mouth. Others rode the horse(s) that were pastured for the weekend. My friend and I never did any of that (not angels --- just not that brave).
xjqcf Last year I observed an older gentleman, standing on the concrete block to the right of the stairs leading down to the patio and facing the UP tracks absent-minded step backwards , lose his balance, and fall at the bottom of the steps. Several people rushed to his aid, and after a few minutes to recover, escorted him back up the stairs toward the pavilion.
I also witnessed his fall- having been there several times myself and knowing how far that drop is, I was very surprised he was able to get up. Someone posted later that they thought emergency response personnel responded soon after that, though.
I have seen people get off and climb up on either side, they stand and talk and laugh to their companions like it's nothing. One frequeny jumper, before school, was at the center early bouts 7-8 am, climbs up on the right side of the camera, was daily about it. The wall appears to be chest high. Don't mean to contradict anyone, just my obserance.
Just observed two police officers jump off the wall and walk slowly to the diamonds as if they were trailing something. They spent some time around the southeast side of the diamond then came back and hopped up on the wall like it was a curb.
Interesting move EB on UP #2 @1234: 93 well-cars, most with two containers, behind one unit. Did I mention that it seemed to be working pretty hard? All containers were either K-Line or unmarked. Somebody's ship come in?
Aside: Web cam seemed to come up more quickly than usual and, Glory Be!!, without the Kalmbach ad urging me to subscribe to Trains (or ????). Much appreciated small improvement.
wow i just saw a cool up passenger train go by ,about a dozen cars.
one had a real cool red white and blue paint job. very cool
Union Pacific business train?
cefinkjr Aside: Web cam seemed to come up more quickly than usual and, Glory Be!!, without the Kalmbach ad urging me to subscribe to Trains (or ????). Much appreciated small improvement.
I think you will find that you get the ad only the first time you check the camera feed per day. If you quit the feed and come back later you won't see the ad.
As for faster to come up... i have noticed any change in that, but today I am seeing lots of signal dropouts and digital ghosting of movement...
I was trying to count the steps as people walked up and down them but could not get a long enough valid video feed to do it well. 4 boys were out there taking photos/videos and when one would go to the steps, I'd try to count their steps down or up, but too many times they would start down the steps and the image would freeze and when it would come back the kid was gone completely from the picture. The best guess I can give as to the number of steps is between 8 and 10, so I figure at about 8 inches per step, that would be between 5 and 6.5 feet of a drop off on the west edge of the upper viewing platform. I still think it needs a railing!
Semper Vaporo I think you will find that you get the ad only the first time you check the camera feed per day. If you quit the feed and come back later you won't see the ad.
I just brought up the web cam for the first time today and no ad appeared. OTOH, this machine runs nearly 24/7.
Semper Vaporo As for faster to come up... i have noticed any change in that, but today I am seeing lots of signal dropouts and digital ghosting of movement...
A UP WB was passing when I brought up the web cam and I watched the rest of it --- maybe 50 cars --- with only a couple of short freezes. Time-Warner's recent upgrade of my cable speed to "up to 100 MB" seems to be having its effect.
Semper Vaporo I was trying to count the steps as people walked up and down them but could not get a long enough valid video feed to do it well. 4 boys were out there taking photos/videos and when one would go to the steps, I'd try to count their steps down or up, but too many times they would start down the steps and the image would freeze and when it would come back the kid was gone completely from the picture. The best guess I can give as to the number of steps is between 8 and 10, so I figure at about 8 inches per step, that would be between 5 and 6.5 feet of a drop off on the west edge of the upper viewing platform.
I was trying to count the steps as people walked up and down them but could not get a long enough valid video feed to do it well. 4 boys were out there taking photos/videos and when one would go to the steps, I'd try to count their steps down or up, but too many times they would start down the steps and the image would freeze and when it would come back the kid was gone completely from the picture. The best guess I can give as to the number of steps is between 8 and 10, so I figure at about 8 inches per step, that would be between 5 and 6.5 feet of a drop off on the west edge of the upper viewing platform.
A young man was watching that UP WB when I tuned in and as soon as it had passed, he turned and came up to the upper viewing area. I counted 9 steps but might have missed the first or last (he seemed in a hurry). 9 steps @ 8" would be exactly 6'.
Semper VaporoI still think it needs a railing!
ABSOLUTELY! A friend of mine feel out of a low bed when he was a kid and broke his collar bone. It doesn't take much.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.