Wow, the CP Heritage unit! Great catch, man!
Say Harrison, have any of your photos been featured in "Railpace?"
(Oh man, I hope I don't get in trouble over mentioning the competition! )
Flintlock76 Wow, the CP Heritage unit! Great catch, man! Say Harrison, have any of your photos been featured in "Railpace?" (Oh man, I hope I don't get in trouble over mentioning the competition! )
I have not submitted any photos to Railpace, as I don't particuarly believe in submitting photos to a publication that I don't recieve. I do submit photos to the Bridge Line Historical Society's Bulletin though. If you think Railpace would like my photos, let me know how to submit them.
Harrison
Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.
Modeling the D&H in 1978.
Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"
My YouTube
Great snapshot! Love to see those "dreadnoughts" roll! Other than The Big Boy and the DDA40X, which make occasional sorties, these are the biggest units out there, from the data I have seen!
Here's the video that includes the heritage unit, plus a meet between 931 and D11 and a chase with 931. Engineer Brian gave me an awesome hornshow!
https://youtu.be/pEp_8lGu4mY
Enjoy!
Well that was better than anything on the tube right now!
And what a melodious horn on the heritage unit! Loud and attention getting, but not harsh to the ear.
Thanks Harrison!
Flintlock76 Well that was better than anything on the tube right now! And what a melodious horn on the heritage unit! Loud and attention getting, but not harsh to the ear. Thanks Harrison!
Well, maybe you haven't seen Delay and Block Productions and Danny Harmon's videos then... but thanks! I agree, the horn on the ACUs are simply the best. One of my friends said yesterday at the premiere that the CP ACUs are the best locos on the rails, and I have to agree with him on that.
Thanks. I also love that CP Horn!
daveklepper Thanks. I also love that CP Horn!
Seems like I recall reading at one time that the "notes" of the horns were mandated by the Canadian government. That may be ancient history.
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...
I caught this UP locomotive on the rear of an empty ethanol train the other day. Video will follow soon.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15F4pg7JpQKMffjpYn_0zZiLWfcQ6p6Sk/view?usp=sharing
Great catch!
I guess that's the good thing about railfanning in this day and age, you never know what you might see!
tree68Seems like I recall reading at one time that the "notes" of the horns were mandated by the Canadian government.
Current law (Transport of Canada) no longer seems to mandate the D#min chord:
https://tc.canada.ca/en/rail-transportation/rules/railway-locomotive-inspection-safety-rules/locomotives-design-requirements-part-ii
Something I did not know is that what Canada mandates instead of the 'minor chord' is a two-tone horn that might have helped the two conductors at Ivy City: three bells blow the 'normal' chord at 96dB or above, the other two are added, at higher volume, for emergencies...
Some discussion of chords and history is here, with another horn regulation (in the United States this time) I can't find...
https://locomotive.fandom.com/wiki/Nathan_AirChime_K-series_Air_Horns
Good thing there are people here who will remember both relevant statutes... and who can prove or disprove either the horny-moose or truck horn reason for adoption of Airchimes initially
It seems that the western railroads are invading... yesterday I caught this BNSF SD70ACe on the rear of the southbound ethanol train. We chased it a bit, from South Junction to Port Kent.
I'll be posting a combined video of these two trains this Friday.
Hopefully no sensitive dragging detectors along the way. That rear hose is hanging low - would be a long walk back for soomething so simple.
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
OvermodYou'll read it all over the place, but darned if I can find you the exact statute!
Perhaps more legend than fact. But even legends usually have some amount of fact in them.
zugmann Hopefully no sensitive dragging detectors along the way. That rear hose is hanging low - would be a long walk back for soomething so simple.
They didn't get picked up for dragging equitment fortunately. I have witnessed it though. I was waiting for CSX local C711 in Catskill, NY as I had just heard them clear the detector about a mile south. After waiting about 10 minutes, I heard them call in dispatch saying they had to stop and fix a dragging hose on the locomotive...
Yeah, West Coast folks have a reputation for being a little too casual about things.
I heard years ago that a "formal affair" in California means you wear socks.
Coming Friday at 7 PM...
Just missed it? Don't you just hate when that happens?
Looking forward to Friday!
Harrison, you're a breath of fresh air on this Forum, you know that?
Thanks Wayne. I'm also currently working on my first documentary of sorts. Stay tuned for that in the coming weeks...
Western Invasion on the D&H is out now.
https://youtu.be/QgKf0slsMUQ
I tried adding some maps to this video. What do you think?
HarrisonWestern Invasion on the D&H is out now. https://youtu.be/QgKf0slsMUQ I tried adding some maps to this video. What do you think?
Captions printed on the video when viewed from the 'in thread' display needs to be in a larger font. I am sure when viewed in a normal YouTube screen the font size is more than adequate, however, when viewed 'in thread' it becomes fuzzy and very difficult to read - even with my bifocals.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
BaltACD Harrison Western Invasion on the D&H is out now. https://youtu.be/QgKf0slsMUQ I tried adding some maps to this video. What do you think? Captions printed on the video when viewed from the 'in thread' display needs to be in a larger font. I am sure when viewed in a normal YouTube screen the font size is more than adequate, however, when viewed 'in thread' it becomes fuzzy and very difficult to read - even with my bifocals.
Harrison Western Invasion on the D&H is out now. https://youtu.be/QgKf0slsMUQ I tried adding some maps to this video. What do you think?
There should be a fullscreen button down in the lower right corner. That will make it as big as your device will go. I will make them slightly larger in the future when possible though.
Harrison BaltACD Harrison Western Invasion on the D&H is out now. https://youtu.be/QgKf0slsMUQ I tried adding some maps to this video. What do you think? Captions printed on the video when viewed from the 'in thread' display needs to be in a larger font. I am sure when viewed in a normal YouTube screen the font size is more than adequate, however, when viewed 'in thread' it becomes fuzzy and very difficult to read - even with my bifocals. There should be a fullscreen button down in the lower right corner. That will make it as big as your device will go. I will make them slightly larger in the future when possible though.
I understand making it bigger in a 'new' YouTube screen and I stated the font was adequate for that. I am specifically talking about viewing the 'in thread' viewer.
I don't view much YouTube stuff on my phone, however, I suspect the in-screen captions would be even harder to view and read on a phone.
As a content producer - you have to think about comunicating across ALL the formats your content will be seen on.
I am not trying to argue - just reporting what I see.
Well Balt, if your phone is the way you want to watch things on the YouTube that's up to you. I'd rather watch it on the lap-top with the MUCH bigger screen.
Watching videos on a phone reminds me of those mini-TV's they came out with back in the 1970's. An interesting gimmick, but as the old joke went on a mini-TV the movie "Tora-Tora-Tora" came across as "Tora-Tor!"
Flintlock76Well Balt, if your phone is the way you want to watch things on the YouTube that's up to you. I'd rather watch it on the lap-top with the MUCH bigger screen. Watching videos on a phone reminds me of those mini-TV's they came out with back in the 1970's. An interesting gimmick, but as the old joke went on a mini-TV the movie "Tora-Tora-Tora" came across as "Tora-Tor!"
I watch the 'in thread' videos - in thread and on my desk top which has a 17" screen. I just mentioned the phone because some people, other than myself, view the forum from their phones.
Was watching something that took your joke into another realm - "Torah, Torah, Torah".
BaltACDWas watching something that took your joke into another realm - "Torah, Torah, Torah".
"Fiddler On The Roof?" Great movie!
BaltACDI just mentioned the phone because some people, other than myself, view the forum from their phones.
It's getting to the point where people don't know how to use a "regular" computer, so enamored are they with their phones and tablets. And they may not even own a desktop or laptop computer...
We see this a lot on the Deshler cam.
Flintlock76An interesting gimmick, but as the old joke went on a mini-TV the movie "Tora-Tora-Tora" came across as "Tora-Tor!"
Shades of Chevy Chase's discount phone, while we're on the general subject of phones... not brought to you by the number 5.
OvermodYou mean like Charlton Heston and The 6 ½ Commandments, or the Medium-Size Escape?
I might have guessed there were others besides "Tora-Tor!"
Nice job, Mr. Harrison. I liked where you inserted the music when you started chase. Someone is going to get chewed out for leaving the rear door open on the BNSF DPU unit.
adkrr64 Nice job, Mr. Harrison. I liked where you inserted the music when you started chase. Someone is going to get chewed out for leaving the rear door open on the BNSF DPU unit.
Thanks! To be honest I didn't even notice the door was open.
I will start a new series of single trains from the past that I've filmed starting tomorrow. I won't post all of these here, but they can be found on my YouTube. Stay tuned...
HarrisonI tried adding some maps to this video. What do you think?
Maps are much appreciated. I now know Peru is N of Port Kent. If that map had shown also Plattsburg I would have a better idea of the scale of the map and the relative location of Peru between the two main towns.
MidlandMike Harrison I tried adding some maps to this video. What do you think? Maps are much appreciated. I now know Peru is N of Port Kent. If that map had shown also Plattsburg I would have a better idea of the scale of the map and the relative location of Peru between the two main towns.
Harrison I tried adding some maps to this video. What do you think?
Thank you for the feedback! I should have included Plattsburgh and I will in the future.
Got something REALLY cool today, a Ferromex SD70ACe! Photos and video will be along at some point, for now here is what I uploaded to YouTube...
https://youtu.be/HLsZQr-iry4
Got a hot one dropping tomorrow night! Ferromex and a shout out from the crew over the radio.
https://youtu.be/Lkfr3l08d5c
I am questioning your 'policy' of holding back activation of the videos you have downloaded. They are not the Grand Opening of 'Gone With the Wind' or 'Titanic', with all the attendent red carpet hoopla of a grand opening.
Your videography and editing are improving - remember, the purpose of anything you publish is either to tell a story or to answer a question.
BaltACDI am questioning your 'policy' of holding back activation of the videos you have downloaded. They are not the Grand Opening of 'Gone With the Wind' or 'Titanic', with all the attendent red carpet hoopla of a grand opening.
Would you even know they were coming if he didn't tell you?
Quite a few of us look forward to Harrison's Friday night premieres, and with everything going on in my life right now I appreciate the reminders.
BaltACD I am questioning your 'policy' of holding back activation of the videos you have downloaded. They are not the Grand Opening of 'Gone With the Wind' or 'Titanic', with all the attendent red carpet hoopla of a grand opening. Your videography and editing are improving - remember, the purpose of anything you publish is either to tell a story or to answer a question.
I understand that some people do not like or approve of "premieres" for various reasons. I have a weekly upload schedule, so if I was not premiering I would still be publishing the video on Friday. I hold off on creating a "premiere page" until the day of or the day before to prevent people from getting annoyed. I quite enjoy watching the video with my friends and followers and chatting with them. I also schedule it a half hour before a popular model railroad live stream, and we call it a "pre show".
Harrison I quite enjoy watching the video with my friends and followers and chatting with them. I also schedule it a half hour before a popular model railroad live stream, and we call it a "pre show".
And I'm proud to say I'm one of his followers, the chats with the young folks are fun!
I just thought I'd post a quick update. We've had a great trip so far (we left on Monday and we're coming home Saturday). I've been able to catch some trains every day so far, and each day I've uploaded an update/teaser video to my YouTube channel (link below). We're staying at the Red Caboose in Strasburg tonight and I can't wait to explore the area tomorrow.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPMh0SzC0kZdZkbfeiy-RPQAnWtvEH1Ge
Flintlock76And I'm proud to say I'm one of his followers, the chats with the young folks are fun!
His grandparents live about six miles from me, and are longtime friends of mine. I'm looking forward to meeting him next time he visits.
We're FINALLY home! Thank you very much to everyone who helped suggest locations/plan the trip. Although we did stop some places I didn't plan on (like shopping on the way down for WAY too long...), and we didn't stop other places I wanted to, it was still a super awesome time. The first video should be out shortly...
The first video is out now, featuring my friend Corey who's also a D&H modeler and railfan. Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/6IVRKTCTzdQ
You do an excellent job, Harrison. And your buddy is well-spoken, like you. Keep up the good work.
Still in training.
Lithonia Operator You do an excellent job, Harrison. And your buddy is well-spoken, like you. Keep up the good work.
Thanks! He has his own YouTube channel where he narrates quite a bit, he's also much better at correcting himself without totally failing like I tend to do.
Nice work Harrison! And your friend Corey's got some good camera presense!
Day 2 of the recent trip is out now. This is more of a day recap/travel video, as we did a LOT more driving and therefore less railfanning. Enjoy! Day 3 will be MUCH more action packed.
https://youtu.be/y64qNrOayfo
The big one is dropping tonight at 8:30 Eastern. Tons of action and history as well in Shenandoah Junction, Harpers Ferry, and Point of Rocks. Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/XuYpRvjlKzk
Yes, Flintlock you're right, don't know what's wrong with announcing what's coming up and when.
Me, 05003, I'm here in diesel-land, my goodness, I thought if I was filming in Eastern Anatolia where an 05 was never supposed to go (and come back, too!) I can also visit the homeland of God's own diesel locomotives, gee.
And it's still railroad watching!
It has much the same action and attraction as it always had. Only the form and the sound of the locos differs but the raw "Heavy Metal" aspects are still there, the horn is loud, the locos moan and "sweat" under the load ..
All the same as it always was.
Even the innumerable flat spots, on some trains over 50% of the axles have them, it's an incessant "rum-rum-rum" "bang-bang-bang" "tam-tam-tam" as it used to be. (We don't have it anymore, railways got rid of it, even freight cars go by just "weah-weah-weah" not even the old block brakes draging on the wheel rims, nothing drags, nothing intereferes with smooth rolling, it is as exciting as a smooth piece by Jean-Michel Jarre or by Tangerine Dream.
And not to forget: the landscape is nice .. One difference I noted: the track embankment is hardly elevated over the ground. On our mainlines it is about 3 ft high above ground, all sharp rocks, and the rails fixing is still different. See the video down below at 4:20, 5:50 and 8:30
Lots of wind, though.
Cute to watch the oil tank cars: in contrast to ours they are all slightly "dent" down in the middle, looks like sagged (of course isn't), it has a good reason: makes emptying more complete; also the length of those cars: a note from the permissible axle loads. And the bogies right out to the end of the body, a little over it even. Why? Makes for heavier bending moment ..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tCnY4fvxEo
steam on special event ..
Of course.
Shorter trains but more inclines
.. and they don't have the locos work too hard (except 14:30 f perhaps, 44 class three-cylinder Decapod)
Sorry
(Flintlock: 10:20 ff you see your 41 1144 Mikado again! at 25:30 starting even with a 41-typical slight slipping. Oh my, all that soot on the clean locomotive, it takes two weeks to get her clean again!)
0S5A0R0A3
Well, thanks for that link Sara! Between yourself and young Mr. Harrison's new show at 8:30 PM my evening's entertainment is well set, because God knows there's nothing else worth watching on the tube tonight!
Can't get enough "Dampfloks!"
Sara, I started watching your "Plandampf" video, I'm taking it in 1/2 hour blocks since I have trouble keeping still for long periods.
Anyway, the first 1/2 hour's done. I just love the way those two BR 44's appear out of the fog like ghosts! The photography's just beautiful, and I'm struck by how much those German whistles sound like a Norfolk & Western "hooter" whistle on a Class A or Y.
Yeah, I saw the 41 slipping. Must have been a very wet day or some wiseguy must have greased the rails, such things shouldn't happen!
Flintlock,
you too can't sit still for a longer period? I know one guy who cannot go to the cinema for that reason, and he loved old movies. It's hard, he used to take care to sit right in the middle to have a good view, now he has to sit and the side-most seat to be able to stand up and go out for a few minutes and move around, then go back in and see the rest.
The 41 slips: no, you don't have to "help" it, the combination of the side-rod regulator which is somewhat tricky to adjust to the right steam chest pressure, and her typical temperament is enough to make her spin wheels now and then. Even though she has smaller than average cylinders for her adhesion weight. She has 520 x 720 mm for 80 tons and the 52 class has 600 x 660 mm on smaller wheels also for 80 tons (metric), only 16 tons on the Decapod axles. This is because the 41 was originally one of the 20 atm (295 psi?) boilers classes but later "rebuked" to the standard 16 atm (228 psi). Shades of PRR "small cylinders" policy: it didn't help to keep her wheels steady, no better than with the T1. Because what makes a loco slip? It's piston thrust and that is piston area by steam pressure. So, the 41s were deprived of some of their medium speed to upper speed power output and so were the T1 because what they could have done on short cut-off and good steam consumption she now had to do on longer cut-off and less well consumption. What helps slipping is not oil on rails but oil on wheel rims from lubrication of rod bearings. All DR standard loco types had this problem more or less. It gets away during a trip, at least after the first braking to a stop. But moving out of the depot has seen a locomotive spin wheels without even making an exhaust beat, just steam from the chimney. The matter was more pronounced when the loco was clean around the wheels than when covered with dust and brake grind-off which can hold oil off wandering down the spoke to the wheel tire and onto the contact surface. That's why our locos often had this typical "wet" mechanics look. The 41 1144 (originally 41 144) is a well kept clean loco, there it can easily happen a trace of warm oil creeps down the wheels during a stop and causes a slip when starting away again.
What hurts more is that the locos develop small defects during the days of operation, or not-so-small defects. With the 41 you will see (its later on I think) the driver takes care he has no water in the cylinders, opens the drain cocks for a moment. Some other crews wouldn't do that and with a fireman who "fills the glass" it can easily happen you have water carried over into the cylinders. It will go out again with exhaust beats but for the moment its a hazard to cylinder glands and washes the oil film off. The 44 1486 has suffered a leaky drain valve even from that, likely from a slip. In regular work times, these locomotives ran for weeks and weeks on end without any such trouble, now a few days are enough to develop such deficiencies! That's what hurts. Also, the forever clanking rods, especially the heavy ones of the 52: crosshead clacking and main rod small end and big end developing excessive play. The 52 1360 you see here has just that and with every second exhaust beat you hear a hard "clang-clang". That hurts, it reminds me of how the crews at Hamm let us 05s get worn down, they said "Oh, she was built to go 200 km/h, now we only go 120 km/h, so let her clank along!" On the last couple of takes the 44 has gotten better (repaired?) or the sequence is mixed up and the last takes were before the ones with the leak. Generally, there is a lot of steam with the two 44s where it shouldn't be. All three-cylinder standard locos had the live steam pipe forked on the left outside the smokebox, and that was leaking on the 1486, less so on the 25xx.
That was a big issue with the oil-fired Hamburg 012 Pacifics working full cry up to Westerland with trains 12 times their adhesion weight, sometimes more. Those were brave locomotives and they ran their souls out on these trips. I didn't find a video but listen to this sound recording: On the incline up to the ~ 160 ft high Hochdonner bridge over the North Sea - Baltic Sea channel: 012 001 with E 2109 starts out of Burg at the foot of the incline, accelerates very hard at the limit of adhesion on August second, 1972, shortly before the end of the Hamburg 012s in September that year: (you have to copy and paste the addresses)
https://www.dampfsound.de/sounds/m01_10/cd004s07.mp3
and 012 061 with the then renowned heavy D821 racing up the incline at ~ 120 km/h. 012 061 was one of those who got to Rheine and was among the last six to get the fires extinguished finally in the fall of 1975.
https://www.dampfsound.de/sounds/m01_10/cd004s14.mp3
and another 012 really fast on the up to the bridge, exhaust more rhythmic with wheels turn, that is irregular steam distribution.
https://www.dampfsound.de/sounds/m01_10/wncds19.mp3
And perhaps to wind it up a steam special on 25th of March 1995 running through Plauen station on an incline in Thuringen with the Baden IVh, 18 323 four-cylinder compound overhauled in Pila, Poland, and already leaky again really badly, oil-fired 44 0093 in the rear "doing all the work alone":
https://www.dampfsound.de/sounds/m18316/cd054s07.mp3
What I like about our steam locomotives is that deep sound of the exhaust, due to the design of the draughting with wide draughting nozzle and chimney and no baffle plate (mater mechanics self-cleaning), and I was once part of this family of machines that could change from mild to wild in their voices ..
Sorry, if I interrupted the diesel thread.
Sara Tyou too can't sit still for a longer period? I know one guy who cannot go to the cinema for that reason, and he loved old movies. It's hard, he used to take care to sit right in the middle to have a good view, now he has to sit and the side-most seat to be able to stand up and go out for a few minutes and move around, then go back in and see the rest.
Oh, don't worry about me, I'm just a little hyperactive! But when you're 67 like I am it sure beats the alternative!
I'm surprised they don't have sanders on those 41's, or maybe they do? And I can understand slipping from lube oil getting on the drivers, it happens to my Lionels often enough when I get too generous with the oil, then it out with the alcohol and cotton swabs to get it off. Serves me right, one of these days I'll learn "Nothing succeeds like excess!" doesn't apply to everything.
Flint-lock, oh my!
>>I'm surprised they don't have sanders on those 41's<<
I'm surprised you question that!?
O-f c-o-u-r-s-e they have! See the first dome behind the chimney, that's the sand box, and see the sand lines leading down from there.
Ah, but good friend Flint-a-long!
?!?
Zzzshhh----hush--hush-hush--hush-hush-hush--hush-hushhush-hushhushhush .....
But you could as well write me a pm on my latest posting, so we don't disturb the diesel thread here. I'd like to read how you liked the sound recordings
Sara 05003
Oh, this isn't really a "diesel" thread, young Mr. Harrison shoots diesels because in his part of the country there's nothing else to shoot!
Here it is:
https://www.google.com/maps/@44.6961431,-73.5968082,11z
That was Delaware & Hudson country, and the old D&H did have some superb steam locomotives, but those days are long gone.
Anyway, Harrison and his family stopped in Strasburg PA on their recent hegira and I'm sure he'll regale us soon with his Strasburg RR videos.
Of course I should have realized 41's had sanders. Silly me.
Flintlock76Anyway, Harrison and his family stopped in Strasburg PA on their recent hegira and I'm sure he'll regale us soon with his Strasburg RR videos.
And they mostly use their SW8 for freight duties. Amazing.
zugmann Flintlock76 Anyway, Harrison and his family stopped in Strasburg PA on their recent hegira and I'm sure he'll regale us soon with his Strasburg RR videos. And they mostly use their SW8 for freight duties. Amazing.
Flintlock76 Anyway, Harrison and his family stopped in Strasburg PA on their recent hegira and I'm sure he'll regale us soon with his Strasburg RR videos.
I'd guess the "Sweight" is for the mundane stuff, steam's the "show biz" part of the operation!
That might be a good way to describe it, but I would spend more than a little time shooting the SW8 while it moves the freight.
If you want to accurately represent the railroad world from the 1930s-1950s that we so fondly look back on, you need diesels too, not just steam.
Strasburg isn't a museum, and it isn't surprising at all that they would have a piece of motive power that can easily be fired up on a moment's notice. A little unit like that would also make a good shop switcher.
It's also worth noting that most end cab diesel switchers are now older than most steam locomotives were when they were preserved as historic artifacts.
Greetings from Alberta
-an Articulate Malcontent
Steam for SHOWDiesel for DOUGH
Harrison's got a new one coming, tomorrow at 7:00 PM. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnPMOPVNyl0
Freight action at "World Famous" Point of Rocks MD.
And boy am I glad, their ain't squat on the tube tomorrow night I consider worth watching!
Here's the video for your convenient viewing right from the forum:
https://youtu.be/nnPMOPVNyl0
Enjoy! Next up will be a tour of the Red Caboose Motel in Strasburg, PA.
HarrisonHere's the video for your convenient viewing right from the forum: https://youtu.be/nnPMOPVNyl0 Enjoy! Next up will be a tour of the Red Caboose Motel in Strasburg, PA.
Q216 & Q217 service the CSX auto ramp at Twin Oaks, PA outside Philadelphia. Q216 provides the loads and Q217 takes the empties out.
It is unusual to see a Baltimore coal train operate on the Metropolitan Sub, they normally run the Old Main Line. I suspect Q372 had HAZMAT within the train that is prohibited from operating through the District of Columbia, thus it is required to operate the Old Main Line.
BaltACD Harrison Here's the video for your convenient viewing right from the forum: https://youtu.be/nnPMOPVNyl0 Enjoy! Next up will be a tour of the Red Caboose Motel in Strasburg, PA. Q216 & Q217 service the CSX auto ramp at Twin Oaks, PA outside Philadelphia. Q216 provides the loads and Q217 takes the empties out. It is unusual to see a Baltimore coal train operate on the Metropolitan Sub, they normally run the Old Main Line. I suspect Q372 had HAZMAT within the train that is prohibited from operating through the District of Columbia, thus it is required to operate the Old Main Line.
Harrison Here's the video for your convenient viewing right from the forum: https://youtu.be/nnPMOPVNyl0 Enjoy! Next up will be a tour of the Red Caboose Motel in Strasburg, PA.
Thanks for the info on the autoracks. I too found it interesting that both coal trains ran on the Main Line. Q372 did have many tank cars with red hazmat diamonds, as I mentioned in a caption.
In today's video, I explore the Red Caboose Motel and give a tour of the caboose we stayed in, #42. Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/Cw60VeRyGkw
The full Strasburg Railroad video comes out Friday...
Nice! And I got a kick out the "Lionel" and "LGB" cabooses! Shows they've got a sense of humor there!
Here it is folks... the one you've all been waiting for... Exploring the Strasburg Railroad is out now! Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/GMwvsP75qjE
New video is out now, where I visit the Railroad Museum of PA. I check out the HO scale layout, G scale switching challenge, and of course the many, many locomotives and cars.
https://youtu.be/L9BOKDfs-jw
I visited Strasburg and the Museum some years ago. It is imposing to look out over the hall from the balcony.
"An old GG1".
That hurt.
Nicely done Harrison! Looks like there's been a few additions since I was in the RR Museum of PA in the early 2000's. I don't remember those layouts, I certainly would have remembered that elaborate HO one!
If memory serves that PRR electric switcher you saw is a BB1. They were used extensively in the PRR's Sunnyside passenger equipment yard in Long Island, and it MAY be the only one in existance. That big Pennsy E unit is an E7, and it definately is the only E7 in existance.
They DO have some good stuff there, don't they?
Flintlock76 I don't remember those layouts, I certainly would have remembered that elaborate HO one!
That one was added about 10 years ago in the lobby.
zugmann Flintlock76 I don't remember those layouts, I certainly would have remembered that elaborate HO one! That one was added about 10 years ago in the lobby.
Story of my life, too early or too late!
National Train Day 2021 was interesting... we were able to catch a handful of CSX trains on the River Line and Mohawk Subdivision. Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/TM70M6z_b6E
Also, if you're looking for more River Line Action, my buddy River Line Productions just released an awesome video. He's branching out from a more traditional railfanning video style to include more narration and vlogging. Click here to watch.
A quick video today, featuring a CN ET44AC trailing on 931.
https://youtu.be/IyLRgwfvEo4
Nice catch! Thanks for sharing it!
https://youtu.be/NDJufvr9ga8
Another short one this week. This Friday will be a short tour of Vermont Railway's yard in Burlington, which I haven't been to in a couple of years. Enjoy!
Burlington, VT is my video for today. Enjoy! Should I keep doing the "vlogging" style?
https://youtu.be/0yFQttjCKeE
If the "vlogging style" is what I think it is, remember I'm a dinosaur when it comes to these things, it's fine as long as you remember the trains are the "stars" and you're the "supporting cast."
Which isn't a bad thing. Supporting actors get Oscars too and frequently have longer careers than the headliners do!
Good video tonight! Too bad about that pesky fence!
I've never cared for the vlogging style in railfan videos. The 'human side' of the railfanning experience is fine for social media such as Instagram, but I'd much prefer a proper narration of context and then operations without constantly having to watch the narrator's face and stream of consciousness.
That said, I'm not the target market for Harrison's channel.
I've never cared for the vlogging style in railfan videos. The 'human side' of the railfanning experience is fine for social media such as Instagram, but I'd much prefer a proper narration of context and then operations without constantly having to watch the narrator's face and stream of consciousness. Basically, you lost me by 'hello, goose'.
Overmod I've never cared for the vlogging style in railfan videos. The 'human side' of the railfanning experience is fine for social media such as Instagram, but I'd much prefer a proper narration of context and then operations without constantly having to watch the narrator's face and stream of consciousness. Basically, you lost me by 'hello, goose'. That said, I'm not the target market for Harrison's channel.
Thank you for your feedback. So basically, if I just show the trains it's "boring", but then if I try to add interest (I am not big into narration for regular railfanning videos) then it is, I don't know, still boring?
I will see what I can do. As long as I am still having fun...
There's a fine line between too much and too little - and it's often a moving target.
OTOH, you can do one video in one style, and another in a different style...
tree68 There's a fine line between too much and too little - and it's often a moving target.
That's the best quote I've heard in a while.
tree68 OTOH, you can do one video in one style, and another in a different style...
I may try that.
tree68There's a fine line between too much and too little - and it's often a moving target.
That's the most profound thing I've read here in a LONG time!
Harrison Overmod I've never cared for the vlogging style in railfan videos. The 'human side' of the railfanning experience is fine for social media such as Instagram, but I'd much prefer a proper narration of context and then operations without constantly having to watch the narrator's face and stream of consciousness. Basically, you lost me by 'hello, goose'. That said, I'm not the target market for Harrison's channel. Thank you for your feedback. So basically, if I just show the trains it's "boring", but then if I try to add interest (I am not big into narration for regular railfanning videos) then it is, I don't know, still boring? I will see what I can do. As long as I am still having fun...
I think it is totally cool that you can show us flat switching operations from the public jogging trail -- a safe, fenced place not on railroad property.
If GM "killed the electric car", what am I doing standing next to an EV-1, a half a block from the WSOR tracks?
HarrisonThank you for your feedback. So basically, if I just show the trains it's "boring", but then if I try to add interest (I am not big into narration for regular railfanning videos) then it is, I don't know, still boring?
As I said, that should not stop you from making material, having premiere events and 'dropping' new content, etc., just because curmudgeons don't like it.
It's not that I don't appreciate the human side of railfanning either. John D. MacDonald as an editor revolutionized science fiction by having the stories be about people rather than science and things... and the same is certainly true for fanning; it gets awful dry just the see the same ¾ 'catch' panning at the same point in consist after consist with only a list of movements in the description for company. But what I like is to have the humanity come from the people, as with some of the material Pechulis has made with the Bednars, where the very best part of the trains is when someone waves from the cab, you learn their name, and get a sense of the people that make the magic happen.
Second to that is hearing in the narration that you love what you're doing; if you're going to vlog, please make that a focus...
Here's a couple of afternoon trains I caught in Plattsburgh a couple of Saturdays ago. Hint: afternoon trains never occur normally in Plattsburgh. Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/RybozaBcz48
Disclaimer: I filmed/edited/uploaded this video before I received feedback to include less talking/vlogging. The train timestamps are in the description on YouTube if you just want to see the trains.
This week's video is a LONG one. Enjoy...
https://youtu.be/Nr9XgBc_gZk
In this video I catch CN power twice, plus chase the CP TEC (geometry) train.
https://youtu.be/zdX0r3zVBUo
I'm aware this video is quite shaky, and quite frankly I don't know why, other than I probably had low blood sugar on those days.
HarrisonIn this video I catch CN power twice, plus chase the CP TEC (geometry) train. https://youtu.be/zdX0r3zVBUo I'm aware this video is quite shaky, and quite frankly I don't know why, other than I probably had low blood sugar on those days.
A tripod overcomes low blood sugar. Hand held, especially with a long telephoto lens will always have the shakes.
To an extent a video camera with servo lens can take out some of the 'shake' that ordinary phone-style cams suffer from. But I'd run, not walk, to get something like this to use with phone and SLR-style cameras... or make up some other kind of mount on the Steadicam principle that helps.
And yes, a good fluid-head tripod is valuable, too.
A tripod is never a bad idea. As was pointed out, a good fluid head mount is important - even moreso if you plan on doing pans, etc.
Even better, if you're shooting video on the tripod, you're free to take stills at the same time.
There were a couple of fans set up to shoot an eastbound through Deshler tonight, tripods and all. There was a westbound coming through at the same time, so double the fun.
What was absolutely priceless, however, was the reaction of one of the fans when he discovered that CP commemorative locomotive 7013 was on the point (maroon and gray). I don't think he'd have been as shocked if someone handed him a million bucks.
Aw nuts, late to the party again! Better late than never I suppose.
Nice catch of that track geometry train, definately something you don't see every day!
By the way, I HATE those electronic bells too! They might as well use a recording of someone screaming hysterically "GET OFF THE TRACKS! GET OFF THE TRACKS!"
Flintlock76 By the way, I HATE those electronic bells too! They might as well use a recording of someone screaming hysterically "GET OFF THE TRACKS! GET OFF THE TRACKS!"
That is the best thing I've heard all week. And you know? It might work...
How about this? If they DON'T get off the tracks and get squashed the announcement becomes...
"SERVES YOU RIGHT!"
Happy 4th everyone! After church today we went down to Cliff Haven to catch a couple of trains, a late-ish 931 and a 350 making its (now) monthly appearance.
https://youtu.be/2K8XWQP96G0
That hammering sound, especially at 1:21 on the last video -- is that from a flat spot on a wheel? Or is it from truck "hunting"?
Do any defect detectors identify badly hunting train cars or flat spots on wheels?
Paul MilenkovicThat hammering sound, especially at 1:21 on the last video -- is that from a flat spot on a wheel? Or is it from truck "hunting"? Do any defect detectors identify badly hunting train cars or flat spots on wheels?
Sounds like a 'minor' flat spot to me.
I am not aware of any detectors for truck hunting. WILD (Wheel Impact Load Detectors) identify the varying levels of flat spots. In general WILD detectors are relatively few in number. On the entirety of CSX's Baltimore Division there was only one installed as of the time I retired in 2016.
Paul Milenkovic That hammering sound, especially at 1:21 on the last video -- is that from a flat spot on a wheel? Or is it from truck "hunting"? Do any defect detectors identify badly hunting train cars or flat spots on wheels?
The rule of thumb I've heard (and have mentioned on the forum before) is that if you can hear a flat spot for seven car lengths, it's in need of attention.
Of course, the distance will vary depending on the type of car, and I would think it would apply to each section of a three or five section IM car. Otherwise you'd be looking at the possibility of thirty-five equivalent car lengths for a string of five section IM cars...
tree68 Paul Milenkovic That hammering sound, especially at 1:21 on the last video -- is that from a flat spot on a wheel? Or is it from truck "hunting"? Do any defect detectors identify badly hunting train cars or flat spots on wheels? The rule of thumb I've heard (and have mentioned on the forum before) is that if you can hear a flat spot for seven car lengths, it's in need of attention. Of course, the distance will vary depending on the type of car, and I would think it would apply to each section of a three or five section IM car. Otherwise you'd be looking at the possibility of thirty-five equivalent car lengths for a string of five section IM cars...
When discussing something in 'car lengths' you can get in big trouble real fast.
My father and I both worked the same yard in Baltimore in out careers, separated by over 40 years. In his day, 36 and 40 foot cars were most common and the 'big' cars were 53 foot gondolas. In my day, with the yard servicing a GM assembly plant as well as import automobile loading - the 'normal' cars that were handled were 89 foot auto racks and high cube box cars. The small cars were 50 foot box cars and 53 foot gondolas. My father viewed the yard as having 'a lot of room'; my view was that it was a band box and much too small to efficiently handle the it was handling.
One thing to remember - 1000 feet of train occupy 1000 feet of track no matter if that train consists of 20 50 foot box cars or 3 five pack intermodal cars and a regular 89 foot TTX flat car.
BaltACDWhen discussing something in 'car lengths' you can get in big trouble real fast.
Oh, for sure.
That's why it's just a rule of thumb.
Seven of those 53 footers is just under 400 feet.
Seven autoracks is over 600 feet.
Either way, if you hear a wheel knocking from that kind of distance, there's a problem.
Of course, the only real way to determine if a flat spot is actionable is with a ruler. I have read that the WILD's are pretty accurate.
Interesting discussion about cars lengths... I always assumed a "car length" in the "modern era" (the '70s and later) was 50 feet.
I've got TWO videos to share tonight! The first was recorded and published by a friend who came north to visit last Saturday. We did a lot of local railroad history stuff and shot 651 coming north before running trains on my layout.
https://youtu.be/rfVczmX9-UA
The second is my own video, featuring three trains (and four railroads) around the Mohawk valley. I also happened to be with the same friend (visiting his territory).
https://youtu.be/gEQm_I4NOyY
Enjoy...
Tonight's video features two interesting 931s, plus a massive 252 (and two unheard shout outs from the conductor). Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/p56TaTUkd0A
https://youtu.be/Z-bRRpEvMvc
I finally got around to publishing my catches on June 18th, when we caught both a CN SD70M-2 and D11 with a shoving platform (caboose).
Nice catch of that caboose/shoving platform, although why it's out there with only one car to pick up puzzles me, unless there's other pick-ups on the agenda.
I hope that CP unit that got dropped off was dropped at a MAACO shop! Man, that thing needs a serious repaint job! I mean, yuck!
Any idea what is carried in those small EPIC containers?
MidlandMikeAny idea what is carried in those small EPIC containers?
When I saw EPIC containers on CSX they were hauling trash.
Flintlock76Nice catch of that caboose/shoving platform, although why it's out there with only one car to pick up puzzles me, unless there's other pick-ups on the agenda.
Looked like they were pushing back home - that's potentially a long way to hang on the side of a car...
CP is continuing to send AC4400CW's to GE/Wabtec for rebuilding, those still in their original beaver shield paint scheme are starting to become rare.
They picked the right unit to lead with, CN 8956 has an isolated cab, microwave and air conditioning, unlike the trailing unit.
I believe CN has ended up owing CP a lot of horsepower hours over the past year or so, due to us taking over all of CP's coal trains at Kamloops, BC for the run to the Pacific coast, no matter which port they are going to. It is common for the Vancouver-bound trains to keep the CP power.
I've seen cars identified on switch lists as needing preventative maintenance due to being identified as exhibiting "low level truck hunting", so there must be some sort of detector that can pick this up (maybe those new 'super scanner' inspection portals?).
Thanks for the comments everyone. Usually, D11 runs north to the mill in front of the cars, as it is a trailing point switch. Then they "drop" any pickups around the locomotive. Now the legality of this is unknown, and the expertise and comfort level of the crew would affect this. The D11 crew can be essentially anyone based out of Saratoga, so it's not always the same guys. I'm guessing these guys didn't know if they were "supposed" to have the shoving platform, or maybe they wanted to play it safe. Otherwise, they would just run reverse, and with 1 car visibility wouldn't be too bad. Plattsburgh is probably the worst place on the line for trespassing/vehicle hits...
BaltACD MidlandMike Any idea what is carried in those small EPIC containers? When I saw EPIC containers on CSX they were hauling trash.
MidlandMike Any idea what is carried in those small EPIC containers?
I got ambitious and googled it:
https://www.synagro.com/locations/environmental-protection-improvement-company-epic/
MidlandMike BaltACD MidlandMike Any idea what is carried in those small EPIC containers? When I saw EPIC containers on CSX they were hauling trash. I got ambitious and googled it: https://www.synagro.com/locations/environmental-protection-improvement-company-epic/
Until they got some new containers about 2014 or 2015, the Southbound trains that hauled them would routinely activated the Tanglewood High Car Detector that protected the Virginia Avenue Tunnel before it was rebuilt to handle double stacks without any height restrictions. The containers were nominally 'open top' hoppers that had a tarp as a cover - as anyone who has a convertible automobile knows, aerodynamics will cause that soft top to bow upward when speed begin to exceed 20 MPH. The bowing tarps would trigger the high car detector and have to be inspected by the crews.
It's been a while since a had a video "good enough" to post. Wrapping back around to the first catch I posted on this thread, in today's video we chased CP 7013 on a southbound oil train. Enjoy...
https://youtu.be/A9Hna1KziI0
SD70DudeI've seen cars identified on switch lists as needing preventative maintenance due to being identified as exhibiting "low level truck hunting", so there must be some sort of detector that can pick this up
Running Approach blocks on my CP heritage video, here comes another HU! This time it's NS 8100, the Nickel Plate heritage. Listen as it approaches in the first clip, you can hear Jay (the conductor) ask where I've been over the radio.
https://youtu.be/0Ep2GbosJ3U
Nice catch on that NS Nickle Plate unit!
You think there's people out in Ohio muttering "Why isn't it out here where it BELONGS?"
I've got a mixed bag this Friday, including some model railroading, railfanning, and everything in between. I also included mixed-narration styles. Enjoy...
https://youtu.be/I0PaP8KHmkk
My first video from my recent Maine trip is out now. Amtrak action all around, no freight... yet.
https://youtu.be/-h0tjgK8toA
Harrison My first video from my recent Maine trip is out now. Amtrak action all around, no freight... yet. https://youtu.be/-h0tjgK8toA
Nice catches Harrison! Good to see White River Junction's still there!
I've been in Maine over the weekend and busy with other things. Here are two videos, one from Waterville Maine and the other from Port Douglas near where I live. Enjoy...
https://youtu.be/-LL0uh1FGrU
https://youtu.be/cS_8eYVO2NY
A great few hours were spent chasing trains on the CP and CN/NECR lines north of me, on the fringe of Canada, yesterday. Enjoy the video!
https://youtu.be/S90pM95rem0
Some nice contrast in lighting is shown in this video of CP 650.
https://youtu.be/7EE23fF2V_Y
I talk about the photography a bit more here:
https://northcountrytrains.wordpress.com/2021/09/08/sunny-while-raining-650-at-south-junction-road/
We're back in Maine with the final part of my Waterville trip. Lots of great Pan Am action in this one, even a little Amtrak at the end.
https://youtu.be/6DqDHm3o7g0
Nice catches there Harrison!
I'm surprised to see those Guilford engines that still have Guilford paint schemes, but I guess whoever owns 'em isn't in a rush to re-paint. It's an expensive proposition any way you look at it.
Flintlock76 Nice catches there Harrison! I'm surprised to see those Guilford engines that still have Guilford paint schemes, but I guess whoever owns 'em isn't in a rush to re-paint. It's an expensive proposition any way you look at it.
Technically the company is still Boston & Maine, although they also call it Guilford. Pan Am has an identity issue...
I'm curious to see what you guys think of this train. 226 cars... I'll explain more in the video.
https://youtu.be/x7BfXM83vec
I somehow can't escape from Pan Am this year... and I'm not complaining! Enjoy my trip to Whitehall, featuring the D&H's best morning railfanning.
https://youtu.be/L-SNBpUaYmU
I watched your longest train video, and your mention of wollastonite reminded me of a geology field trip to the Adirondacks I took almost 50 years ago. The Adirondacks are one of the more interesting geologic provences. I checked the shelf with my better rock samples, and a good chunk of wollastonite is still there. It's a white splintery calcium silicate mineral, often associated with metamorphism around limestones. It has some of the properties of asbestos, and has found increased use as a substitute, among other uses.
Thanks Midland Mike! That is a very nice chunk, probably can't find one like that anymore.
Did someone say F-units? On the D&H? Coming right up!
https://youtu.be/8Nqj0Wmver0
Great catches Harrison! Thanks!
Possibly my last Pan Am catch is in this video, from a trip south about a month ago.
https://youtu.be/8-wudbLS7Ls
Ignore the "Black Hole" everyone, click on the YouTube link.
And watch it! That's an order!
Harrison,
Can you comment on the bridge that ends short of the trackin the video . Did it cross the RR at some past time?
From your video and my SPV rail atlas, it seems that Mechanicville west to CPF478 (where the line splits between CP and PanAm) is owned by CP; and PanAm's "Rotterdam Branch" is isolated from the rest of the system by those trackage rights. Also I wonder where the CP-NS divide occurs.
Electroliner 1935 Harrison, Can you comment on the bridge that ends short of the trackin the video . Did it cross the RR at some past time?
It's actually a dam/lock on the Mohawk River/former Erie Canal. It's called Lock 10, and is a popular railfanning location from both sides.
MidlandMike From your video and my SPV rail atlas, it seems that Mechanicville west to CPF478 (where the line splits between CP and PanAm) is owned by CP; and PanAm's "Rotterdam Branch" is isolated from the rest of the system by those trackage rights. Also I wonder where the CP-NS divide occurs.
The CP/NS split is at the Schenectady interlocking- but CP trains and crews never go south of Mohawk yard, unless there is a GE move. Pan Am uses the CP Freight Line between CPF 477-8 and Mechanicville. I have a strong feeling that once CSX buys Pan Am, the already nearly dead Rotterdam Branch will close down.
HarrisonIt's actually a dam/lock on the Mohawk River/former Erie Canal. It's called Lock 10, and is a popular railfanning location from both sides.
Found it on Google Maps. Thanks Harrison.
I head back to my old favorite- the River Line- for this video. Enjoy some nice morning action!
https://youtu.be/uF6U6ata-as
Have you considered getting a microphone wind shield?
Harrison MidlandMike From your video and my SPV rail atlas, it seems that Mechanicville west to CPF478 (where the line splits between CP and PanAm) is owned by CP; and PanAm's "Rotterdam Branch" is isolated from the rest of the system by those trackage rights. Also I wonder where the CP-NS divide occurs. The CP/NS split is at the Schenectady interlocking- but CP trains and crews never go south of Mohawk yard, unless there is a GE move. Pan Am uses the CP Freight Line between CPF 477-8 and Mechanicville. I have a strong feeling that once CSX buys Pan Am, the already nearly dead Rotterdam Branch will close down.
Does PanAm also interchange with NS at Mokawk Yard. Looking at Mohawk Yard on Google Earth, I was suprised how small it is. Is it used for anything besides interchanging trains?
Mohawk is pretty much just for interchange. It used to be a major interchange with NYC (present day CSX), but now there is very little traffic for them. After that it would go into Selkirk via the Albany Main and Voorheesville, and now I think it goes through Kenwood and Albany. Pan Am will run a RJ-1 or XO-1 into Mohawk every couple of weeks, and CP runs from Saratoga to Mohawk and back every so often as well.
Hey Harrison!
I went looking for a history of the abandoned Catskill Mountain Railway and found this film from 1906! (The railroad was abandoned in 1918)
Who knows? You may have been shooting video from one the bridges pictured in this 115 year old film!
Thought you (and others) might enjoy seeing it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIfOW853zpc
One of the commenters on your "Live Stream" Friday night wondered about seeing a steam train on the West Shore's Catskill Creek Bridge. I've been looking in the archives here at the "Fortress Flintlock" but haven't found anything yet, but if I do, I'll let you know.
Harrison, I am starting to get some idea how CP's ex-D&H is run. Do you have a list of CP and NS trains that run on the line?
MidlandMikeHarrison, I am starting to get some idea how CP's ex-D&H is run. Do you have a list of CP and NS trains that run on the line?
Harrison recently answered that very question about the line between Schenectady and Binghamtom in this thread:
http://cs.trains.com/trn/f/111/t/289895.aspx
Now we just need him to provide the details north of Schenectady, which I am sure he will soon enough!
adkrr64 MidlandMike Harrison, I am starting to get some idea how CP's ex-D&H is run. Do you have a list of CP and NS trains that run on the line? Harrison recently answered that very question about the line between Schenectady and Binghamtom in this thread: http://cs.trains.com/trn/f/111/t/289895.aspx Now we just need him to provide the details north of Schenectady, which I am sure he will soon enough!
MidlandMike Harrison, I am starting to get some idea how CP's ex-D&H is run. Do you have a list of CP and NS trains that run on the line?
Sure thing. I may do a video on it at some point, if I deem it's not to "open". Some employees don't like their schedules shared, but when I'm directly asked, I do not hesitate.
The NS trains 22K/23K and 11R/16R I mentioned on the Freight Line thread are Pan Am Southern (PAS) trains, and go to Ayer over the B&M. They take the CP Freight Line at Burnt Hills to get to Mechanicville, where Pan Am/B&M takes over.
31T/30T are NS run-throughs to CN at Rouses Point. They run over trackage rights to Saratoga or Ballston Spa, where CP handles them north to Rouses Point. Between Saratoga and Bingo they handle all Canadian traffic for southern points, basically the modern version of RW6/WR1. North of Saratoga, they handle CN traffic for southern points, so the trains grow substantially shorter. At Rouses Point CN takes them to and from Montreal.
252/253 are CP's manifests between Montreal and Saratoga, formerly Bingo before the buyout by NS. They run 6 days a week and are pretty substantial. Their current schedule has them through Plattsburgh during the night, so I don't usually see them. They handle all CP traffic for points south and for Bluff Point, Whitehall, and Albany.
D45 is the Saratoga-Albany turn job, and handles port traffic in addition to any CSX interchange. This I believe is a 5 days a week job, but they often run it as D48 on the other two days, which would be Sunday and Monday.
D11, D13, D40, and D31 are the Bluff, Whitehall/Fort Ed, Saratoga, and Albany locals, respectively. D13 goes north twice a week to the IP mill at Fort Ti, and south to Fort Ed whenever needed. There are a few other D-series locals that run to Fort Ed, Mohawk Yard, and elsewhere when needed.
650/651 are unit ethanol trains for the Port, and run when needed, usually twice a week but they should pick up over the winter.
350 is a loaded grain train for the Port, but doesn't usually run as they combine it with 252/D45. The return loads are split up and rejoin at Montreal.\
I think that's about it! There are some interesting operations in Rouses Point that I can share if inquired apon.
Thanks Harrison. I assume "Bingo" = Binghamton ?
I would also be interested in hearing about Rouses Point, as long as it doesn't get you in trouble with the Border Patrol.
MidlandMike Thanks Harrison. I assume "Bingo" = Binghamton ? I would also be interested in hearing about Rouses Point, as long as it doesn't get you in trouble with the Border Patrol.
Bingo does mean Binghamton.
A daily operation in Rouses Point consists of four trains.
252 and 253 usually meet at Rouses Point, taking turns going through the scanner and coming off/onto the Lacolle sub.
931 and 930 are interchanged to CN at Rouses Point. We have three tracks to work with in total.
The Controlled Siding is about 2.5 miles long, from CPC 188 and CPC 191 (south of the actual MP 191, which is the northernmost milepost.
The "farm tracks" consist of two rather short sidings on the CP Lacolle sub north of the border point, but still in NY.
The usual procedure is for CP to take 931 to the farm tracks, using one or both depending on the length. If it won't fit there, or there's another 931 sitting there, they leave it on the siding just south of CPC 191. During the night, CN brings 930 south as CN 528. They leave it wherever is available, and take 931, symboled as CN 529, north to Montreal. The next morning, a CP crew brings 930 south.
Lately CN has not had nearly enough crews, and so they've been about 5 days a week on average for getting trains to and from Montreal. Some days they just take one south, some just north, and some none at all.
931/930 go through customs under CN control, even if CP brings them through the scanner to and from the farm tracks.
Hope this makes sense.
Harrison931 and 930 are interchanged to CN at Rouses Point. We have three tracks to work with in total. The Controlled Siding is about 2.5 miles long, from CPC 188 and CPC 191 (south of the actual MP 191, which is the northernmost milepost. The "farm tracks" consist of two rather short sidings on the CP Lacolle sub north of the border point, but still in NY. The usual procedure is for CP to take 931 to the farm tracks, using one or both depending on the length. If it won't fit there, or there's another 931 sitting there, they leave it on the siding just south of CPC 191. During the night, CN brings 930 south as CN 528. They leave it wherever is available, and take 931, symboled as CN 529, north to Montreal. The next morning, a CP crew brings 930 south.
I didn't see 930/931 on your previous list of trains. Is this another designation of the NS run-thru trains? I see the "farm tracks" north of the CN-CP split, and I assume CN must back thru Rouses Point. Is that what you mean by:
Harrison931/930 go through customs under CN control, even if CP brings them through the scanner to and from the farm tracks.
Sorry- 930 and 931 are CP's symbols for 30T/31T. And yes, they do back through Rouses Point.
It has been a while since I posted a railfanning video- no worries, here's some interesting action on the D&H from last week.
https://youtu.be/zMAP-9sa-D8
We're back to Downeast Maine in this video. Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/rzVkvzWkYD8
We remain in Maine this week with our ride on the Maine Narrow Gauge in Portland.
https://youtu.be/F5o0HWmDK5c
Next week we'll head west to the CSX St. Lawrence Sub...
I thought I heard the Portland NG was being forced to vacate for some waterfront developement. They were going to move to Grey, ME. Although I see some new ties waiting to be installed.
I researched it further and found that the Grey location had wetlands problems, so they are staying in Portland. It looks like that new construction was next to their station and storage yard, and they are going to have to move their yard. They are fundraising for a new equipment storage shed.
You'll need some patience on the St. Lawrence line. Just a single southbound and northbound daily.
And the former which I manage to catch a fair bit, typically runs at night (I'm a night owl that likes going for car rides, most recently last night when I followed the southbound from Gouverneur to Evans Mills). The northbound also seems to be noctournal more often than not, but I stumble across it less frequently.
The local out of Massena that serves customers in the northern part of the line is a daytime operation that seems to run most weekdays (Primarily serving the interchange in Norwood, the Potsdam papermill, and Poulin Grain in Canton). If I hear a horn and catch up with it at a crossing during daylight hours, it's almost always the local with a GP38-2 or GP40-2 and a handful of cars in tow.
The Watertown local is also a daytime job. Sometimes they go north, sometimes they go south, sometimes they do both, and sometimes they go to Fort Drum.
Generslly, they go to Gouverneur north, and as far as Parish south. A local out of Woodard handles the south end, I believe.
Thanks for the info everyone, I guess I should have clarified that I meant the video was coming this week, I had already chased Q621 (southbound freight) across the line. Anyways, here's the video:
https://youtu.be/qkWzd2TqHxc
The train mainly seemed to be CN traffic. Does this CSX line interchange with CP, or does CP funnel all the traffic to their own line on the ex-D&H ?
CN power used to be quite common on Q620 and Q621 (as well as Q622 & Q623, before they were abolished). The line heads up to Valleyfield, QC.
I'm pretty sure that's wrapped lumber products on the centerbeam flats, as opposed to paper.
It's "gov" not "goov" for Gouverneur.
The line was upgraded several years ago from 25 MPH to 40 MPH.
A continued chase south of Evans Mills would be quite difficult - US 11 is quite congested, especially in the area adjacent to Fort Drum. The train would have been slowing down fairly soon, though, for the curve just past "BRAD" (Bradley Street) and their trip down to and up from the Black River and an arrival at Massey Yard.
The local crew (B778) has been known to stop for ice cream at the convenience store next to the crossing in Evans Mills...
I suspect the vast majority of traffic destined for CPR rails in Canada is using the D&H.
Since about when Canadian National became interested in acquiring the line (A deal that I believe is dead now after losing their STB appeal and the subsequent Wall Street attack on management in the wake of the KCS failure), their power seems to have become a bit more of a regular sight again after years of virtually nothing (Although nothing like it was 10+ years ago where CN power was more common than CSX it seemed).
I imagine paper would be in a boxcar for weather protection. As I understand it, most of the boxcar traffic on the St. Lawrence line is just that. Paper loads southbound from Canada to customers in the States and empties heading back north to reload.
Nice that you caught some daytime action. Especially with the shorter days this time of year, that's far from guaranteed as I spoke about. My last dozen or so meetings with the southbound over the past few months have all been at night, so I was figuring you'd be uploading some nighttime video.
We return to Maine for the last time this week with my final batch of Maine catches.
https://youtu.be/XumkJw4dcdw
It sounded like those ATK trains that had engines at both ends, that both engines were working.
If the loco is providing HEP, I think they run in notch 4 or higher all the time.
tree68If the loco is providing HEP, I think they run in notch 4 or higher all the time.
I have heard that some crews, when possible, prefer to let the rear unit provide propulsion as it reduces the noise and vibration in the cab. On Harrisons video, I note that there is little engine noise as #122 passes and you hear the prime mover as #118 passes. The Genesis locomotives can provide HEP at different engine speeds. Per wikipedia: All Genesis engines can provide head-end power (HEP) to the train drawn from an alternator or inverter powered by the main engine at a maximum rating of 800 kilowatts (1,100 hp), making each unit capable of providing HEP for up to 16 Superliner railcars. The P40DC and P42DC power plants can supply 60-hertz head-end power either from the HEP alternator with the engine speed-locked to 900 rpm (normal mode) or from the traction alternator with the engine speed-locked to 720 rpm (standby mode). In the latter case, traction power is unavailable.
Are there any Amtrak engineers on here?
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