Let's light that download up, shall we?
https://railroads.dot.gov/sites/fra.dot.gov/files/2020-08/2008_Track_Safety_Standards%20%281%29.pdf
Strangely, the link to eCFR I provided no longer shows the 'addendum' to 49CFR213 that shows the higher-track-speed classes... only a tedious 'back' and 'next' that would take seemingly forever to step to it. If you Google "49 CFR 213" it will give you several alternatives that show the whole index, and you can get the higher speeds from that.
As here: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title49/49cfr213_main_02.tpl
The high-speed stuff is in subpart G, starting at 213.301.
Again, 125 and not "124" is the highest permitted speed in that class.
Ulrich BNSF Chillicothe sub (not quite out west but getting there).. whoa! Hold on to your hat and stand well back..
BNSF Chillicothe sub (not quite out west but getting there).. whoa! Hold on to your hat and stand well back..
Im now considering a trip to Chicago in June, and want to rent a car and go see some of that action
If you have some suggestions for train-watching spots, I'd love to hear them. Also, any notable RR buildings and infrastructure worth seeing along the entire sub. Or just unique settings the route might pass through, even if something prevents a good photo there.
Thanks in advance.
caldreamer What is the track class for the northeast corridor trains where Amtrack trains do 125 MPH?
What is the track class for the northeast corridor trains where Amtrack trains do 125 MPH?
FRA 213.307 shows Class 6 is required for 110 mph, class 7 for up to 125, class 8 for 160 and class 9 for 200.
You can see all the track standards in this document; it may not be the latest but the first to come up in google search:
SD60MAC, there are locations between the sites you mention where the two tracks have been separated to aleviate the grade issues about which you allude. And the recently built flyover at Truxton, AZ allows trains to change tracks for a favorable grade without the need to utilize 50 MPH switch crossovers, some of which have been in place for 60 years to address grade and passenger train issues.
SD70Dude The Santa Fe side of BNSF is probably the only railroad that still powers freight trains well enough to maintain speeds like that without a gravity assist.
The Santa Fe side of BNSF is probably the only railroad that still powers freight trains well enough to maintain speeds like that without a gravity assist.
If you've ever seen the operating profile of the Southern Transcon from Fort Sumner, NM to San Bernardino, CA. They have no other option if they want to maintain a 70MPH railroad were feasible.
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SD60MAC9500If you've ever seen the operating profile of the Southern Transcon from Fort Sumner, NM to San Bernardino, CA. They have no other option if they want to maintain a 70MPH railroad were feasible.
If you've ever seen the operating profile of the Southern Transcon from Fort Sumner, NM to San Bernardino, CA. They have no other option if they want to maintain a 70MPH railroad where feasible.
jeffhergert The UP's old CNW line still has a few Zs that still have enough power, or less train, to run 70. I've seen that number a time or two when the stars lined up just right.
The UP's old CNW line still has a few Zs that still have enough power, or less train, to run 70. I've seen that number a time or two when the stars lined up just right.
A year or so ago my grandson and I paced a westbound stacker from Mechanicsville to Cedar Rapids that was doing 67. Good thing there weren't any Iowa Troopers around, and light traffic on US 30...
Brian (IA) http://blhanel.rrpicturearchives.net.
A few months ago, for about a week they had a 69 mph temporary speed restriction on a spot about a 1/4 of a mile long. Maximum speed there is 70 mph. I have no idea why the 69 temporary. It was in a space where most 70 mph trains wouldn't be doing 70 anyway. It was about in the middle of a 4 mile stretch between a permanent 60 mph and a permanent 40 mph.
Jeff
Interestingly, I've noticed that the pulling power of AC traction units really drops off once you get above 50 mph, DC units of equivalent horsepower seem to do better at very high speeds.
AC dynamic braking is far better at all speeds.
Greetings from Alberta
-an Articulate Malcontent
bogie_engineerFRA 213.9 limit for Class 5 freight is 80, Class 4 60 mph.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/part-213/subpart-A
We're sure to get some besserwisser saying that number ought to be "79mph" and it is important to recognize why the figure Mr. Goding gave is correct.
The Esch Act language for train control, which was preserved in the 1947 order and still applies today, specified maximum speed slightly differently from part 213. Their language pertains to '80 and over'; 213's inherently to '80 and below'.
The 1mph difference is not particularly material other than that it defines where serious Federal penalties may apply -- which is certainly enough for me to respect it.
timz Doubt that any RR authorizes freights to do more than 70 mph. Isn't that the freight limit for Class 5 track? (Guess that limit started after Super C, which was allowed 79.)
Doubt that any RR authorizes freights to do more than 70 mph. Isn't that the freight limit for Class 5 track? (Guess that limit started after Super C, which was allowed 79.)
FRA 213.9 limit for Class 5 freight is 80, Class 4 60 mph.
You're best bet is BNSF's Southern Transcon. Needles Sub, Seligman Sub, Gallup Sub just to name a few. 70MPH Freights with Heavy traffic. If you want some of the best scenery BNSF's Seligman sub would be the best in my opinion. The Seligman sub runs between Needles, CA, and Winslow, AZ.
I-40 between Gallup and west of Winslow is adjacent to BNSF in many locations. I have driven at just under 80 MPH (legal speed limit) and have been able (just) to pass some of the BNSF Z trains.
Thanks.
UP from Grand Island, Nebraska to Green River, Wyoming.
If UP is your fancy the Sunset Route between Colton, CA, and El Paso, TX host 70MPH Z trains as well. Though not as busy as BNSF but plenty of traffic to keep you on your toes.
Where would I find America's fastest freights? Once Covid is under control, we'd like to take a trip out west. Is there someplace I can see 79 mph (isn't that the max allowed?) freight trains, hopefully a line with lots of traffic?
Still in training.
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