Can somebody in the editors get this guy a lifetime subscription to Trains after confirming this?
Couple of questions-
1. Have you dispatched a life and death situation?
2.How does CSX dispatch handle reported "Hobos" on train or aka tresspassers over the years
3. How do MARC and Tri-Rail Trains get dispatched in heavy freight traffic on main lines
4. Did you dispatch any steam specials
5. Did you know Allen Brougham who was a tower operator on the B and O Old Main in MD and the Publisher of the BullSheet newsletter?
Numerous trespasser and crossing accidents - too many to count.
Unauthorized passengers are reported to the Police Command Center, who contact local authorities with a location operations has decided the train can be safely stopped for the passengers removal and arrest.
Tri-Rail is no longer dispatched by CSX. MARC has as much priority as possible, freight will operate on the adjacent track as most MARC operations are on double track territory. From Point of Rocks to Frederick, MARC has priority over freight trains.
CSX has not been involved in steam specials since I have been actively involved in Dispatching - that being said I was involved with the movement of C&O 1309 from Baltimore to Cumberland.
I have known Allen Brougham since the early 1970's when I was a Asst. Terminal Trainmaster in Baltimore and he worked the 'sidewire' operators job off the Extra List out of the Dispatchers Office at Camden Station.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
So yould would have Dispatched the old Wild Mary line though Western Maryland up to abandonment of the west end? sad to see that go its right of way can been seen from the CandO Canal Bike Trail. In someway the Engineering was better then the BandO.
Congratulations ! And thank-you in so many ways for all you've contributed here so far.
I thought this deserved its own thread, for that and other reasons. I'm glad CandOforprogress2 started it.
- Paul North.
P.S. to C&O: Please fix the title to remove the space between "Balt" and "ACD" - that'll make it easier to find this thread in the future with a 'search'. Thanks again.
Congratulations and best wishes! You deserve a rest!
This will be a special Christmas for you, Balt. Merry Christmas, indeed. I have always enjoyed your posts, the expertise and temperament you bring to them, and hope we may have the pleasure far into the future.
Congratulations Mr. Balt! Enjoy the retirement! 50+ years on the job is an achievement few people manage, especially in this day and age when some folks change jobs like they change their socks.
I wonder how CSX is going to get along without you?
Firelock76this day and age when some folks change jobs like they change their socks.
Some change jobs more often.
Congratulations, Balt. Let us know if you find any of that "spare time" that retired folks are supposed to have lots of; it's sure been eluding me for a while.
Terrific. Not an easy thing to do. Now maybe you have the time to share some great stories with the rest of us.
The Division, at the request of my fellow Dispatchers, named the 2 miles of the South Baltimore Branch between Control Points Carroll and Clifford in my honor. I accepted it on behalf of my Grandfathers 47 years of service and my fathers 37 years of service as well as my 51 years of service. MCABEE Yard Limits. So I get to antognize future generations of CSX employees!
Even on the last day I worked - something 'new' happened - Every day the aim is the same, but the playing field changes, day in, day out and hour by hour.
Save
A hearty congratulations on a job well done and seen to its finish. May you enjoy another healthy half-century in retirement.
Editor Emeritus, This Week at Amtrak
And thanks, C&O, for bringing this happy event to our attention!
50 years. Ever figure out the big picture? If you ever get bored - you can trade with me. 10 down, god knows how many more to go
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.
Does thist mean that you are not going to be able to dispatch the first double stack thru the new Virginia Ave tunnel bore ? Or maybe a cab ride on first double stack ?
Mighty big assumption there that they do indeed have a picture at all. Said that 3 weeks ago when they furloughed and were already short handed.Congrats to Balt ACD on his well earned retirement, and his escape from the games of management.
D.Carleton "...A hearty congratulations on a job well done and seen to its finish. May you enjoy another healthy half-century in retirement..."
"...A hearty congratulations on a job well done and seen to its finish. May you enjoy another healthy half-century in retirement..."
BaltACD: To you, and your friends," Fair winds, and following seas!"... To those that wern't, Confusion!
It's always bittersweet when I hear of friends pulling the pin and retiring, but after 50+ years you deserve to take it easy. Of course, from what I hear from our retired friends, you will be busier than when you were working. At least now, you have more control over what you will be busy at.
Congratulations.
Jeff
blue streak 1Does thist mean that you are not going to be able to dispatch the first double stack thru the new Virginia Ave tunnel bore ? Or maybe a cab ride on first double stack ?
Don't know what I'll be doing Friday, but it won't have anything to do with the Virginia Ave. Tunnel.
January's activity - Homestead-Miami & Sebring
Congratulations on your retirement! Since you already have a major interest other than work, you will have more time for that and hopefully time to develop another interest or two. I wish you good health and much happiness, and a long and enjoyable retirement.
Best Wishes to you!
Too many changes!
Thank You, I have learned a lot from you, Sir!
51 years, wow! That's a lot of dedication. Congratulations on a well-deserved upcoming break, a permanent one that is. Enjoy the races.
zugmann 50 years. Ever figure out the big picture? If you ever get bored - you can trade with me. 10 down, god knows how many more to go
A few years ago an Engineer who was close to retirement went into the RTC Centre in Edmonton to visit. But instead of talking to anyone he just stood there and stared at the wall, thinking deeply. After a few minutes someone came over and asked what he was doing. He replied "All these years on the radio I've been hearing all sorts of stuff about this big picture, and I would like to see it just once before I go. Could you show it to me?". At that point he was asked to leave, apparently the Chief didn't find it funny .
Or at least that's how the story was told to me. Even if it's not true that one's too good not to share. At least the only pictures you have to worry about now Balt are on your wall! And I too hope you will continue to post here, I too have learned a lot from you and will always appreciate your thoughts and postings.
Greetings from Alberta
-an Articulate Malcontent
BaltACDI accepted it on behalf of my Grandfathers 47 years of service and my fathers 37 years of service as well as my 51 years of service.
Three generations; 135 years of service. Quite the accomplishment that the McAbee family should be very proud of.
Norm
[quote user="BaltACD"]
I assume all is tuned and ready for hopefully an expanded season of 'seat time'. 51 years!! Shoot, that means I've got 10 to catch up!!!
Balt, A couple years ago I sold an O scale WM SD35 to an engineer in the Baltimore area. I believe George goes by the nickname of 'Snake'. Ring any bells?
Congrat's on an amazing career, well done.
Bob
SD70M-2DudeHe replied "All these years on the radio I've been hearing all sorts of stuff about this big picture, and I would like to see it just once before I go. Could you show it to me?". At that point he was asked to leave, apparently the Chief didn't find it funny
I once had a sign up in my cubicle "I love it when a plan comes together, when does this one come together?" My boss didn't apprecieate it, either...
Balt - congrats! Enjoy your free time - at least until everyone discovers you have it!
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...
Balt, congrats on a long and productive career
BaltACD Not odd, but totally unique - a 'badge' worn by one of my ancestors that participated in the parade that celebrated the 'Laying of the First Stone' of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, July 4, 1828.
Not odd, but totally unique - a 'badge' worn by one of my ancestors that participated in the parade that celebrated the 'Laying of the First Stone' of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, July 4, 1828.
Balt, congratulations and stay in shape for your carrier's first stone party on July 4, 2028!
wanswheel BaltACD Not odd, but totally unique - a 'badge' worn by one of my ancestors that participated in the parade that celebrated the 'Laying of the First Stone' of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, July 4, 1828. Balt, congratulations and stay in shape for your carrier's first stone party on July 4, 2028!
BaltACD
I also have a set of steroscopic slides and the viewer that my father purchased as at 13 year old boy of the B&O's Fair of the Iron Horse in 1927. Ironicly the Fair was held at the same location that I would retire from. I had also been a part of the team that opened B&O's Baltimore Terminal Services Center in 1978 in the same building space I would retire from in 2016 with that space having been reconfigured for the Baltimore Division Dispatching Center, with the Division Offices in adjoining space.
The semaphore signals that are visible are part of the HX Tower interlocking at Halethorpe, MD. The brick tower building still exists, the interlocking doesn't; having been moved about 1 mile West, for additional track capacity and renamed St. Denis.
Congratulations on your retirement. Half a Century is a long time. I'll be there in another 12 years.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.