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News Wire: UP moves 'monster' loaded coal train to Wisconsin power plant

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Posted by jeffhergert on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 2:10 PM

SD70Dude

CN just started a new dedicated hotline to report problems with TO....

 

We used to have a radio call in to go direct to the help desk for EMS (Energy Management Systems) problems.  First we had LEADER, then they added Trip Optimizer and then Smart Consist. 

You explained the problem, they might be able to trouble shoot or they might not.  They gave you a ticket # and you were supposed to report all this upon tie-up on a special computer portal. 

Then PTC came along.  The help desk now is for PTC problems.  They don't really care about the EMS problems anymore, just report them upon tie-up.

It was said at one time they were collecting information on the EMS, especially the LEADER system so they could sue NYAB.  It wasn't delivering the level of savings they were told it would.  (Smart Consist I believe is completely gone now.  I haven't seen an engine with it for a long time.  It was the absolute worst of the EMS.)  

Jeff   

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Posted by SD70Dude on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 11:41 AM

CN just started a new dedicated hotline to report problems with TO....

Greetings from Alberta

-an Articulate Malcontent

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Posted by jeffhergert on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 11:23 AM

BaltACD

 

 
jeffhergert
Managers rode the first one, I don't know about the second one.  It was said one of the managers on that first trip said that Trip Optimizer was not to be used.  Makes me wonder if they tried using it or LEADER on the second one.

Jeff

 

I am guessing - but I expect the LEADER or TRIP OPTIMIZER have yet to be programmed to handle such trains - YET.

 

We're using LEADER and Trip Optimizer on 15000 ft manifests.  When the systems will initialize that is.  It's integrated into PTC on many engines now.

I think they know how good these energy management systems really are at times.

Jeff

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Posted by charlie hebdo on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 10:58 AM

jeffhergert

2nd train today.  Only 269 cars, but in 2x3x1 mode like the first one.  This one had an undesired emergency in a spot where break in twos are not uncommon for such large trains.  Delay appears to have been only about 90 minutes, so may have just been an air hose.  I'll find out tomorrow.  I just missed getting called for it.  I had a normal 142 car coal train and had a not so normal 180 car coal train ahead of me.

Managers rode the first one, I don't know about the second one.  It was said one of the managers on that first trip said that Trip Optimizer was not to be used.  Makes me wonder if they tried using it or LEADER on the second one.

Jeff

 

Saw it pass through Wheaton about 10:40am.

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Posted by zardoz on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 10:38 AM

BaltACD

 

 
jeffhergert
Managers rode the first one, I don't know about the second one.  It was said one of the managers on that first trip said that Trip Optimizer was not to be used.  Makes me wonder if they tried using it or LEADER on the second one.

Jeff

 

I am guessing - but I expect the LEADER or TRIP OPTIMIZER have yet to be programmed to handle such trains - YET.

 

I guess human experience does has its advantages, when the almighty tech is insufficient or incapable.

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Posted by BaltACD on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 6:24 AM

jeffhergert
Managers rode the first one, I don't know about the second one.  It was said one of the managers on that first trip said that Trip Optimizer was not to be used.  Makes me wonder if they tried using it or LEADER on the second one.

Jeff

I am guessing - but I expect the LEADER or TRIP OPTIMIZER have yet to be programmed to handle such trains - YET.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by jeffhergert on Monday, April 29, 2019 8:14 PM

2nd train today.  Only 269 cars, but in 2x3x1 mode like the first one.  This one had an undesired emergency in a spot where break in twos are not uncommon for such large trains.  Delay appears to have been only about 90 minutes, so may have just been an air hose.  I'll find out tomorrow.  I just missed getting called for it.  I had a normal 142 car coal train and had a not so normal 180 car coal train ahead of me.

Managers rode the first one, I don't know about the second one.  It was said one of the managers on that first trip said that Trip Optimizer was not to be used.  Makes me wonder if they tried using it or LEADER on the second one.

Jeff

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Posted by Brian Schmidt on Monday, April 29, 2019 3:53 PM

OAK CREEK, Wis. — With Precision Scheduled Railroading in effect at Union Pacific, longer trains have become more frequent across its system. This loaded coal train is one such example. Loaded as two trains at North Antelope mine in Wyoming, Un...

http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2019/04/29-union-pacific-moves-monster-loaded-coal-train-with-two-distributed-power-sets

Brian Schmidt, Editor, Classic Trains magazine

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