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Mechanicville: New England Gateway (And the subsequent videos)

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Posted by Harrison on Friday, February 25, 2022 3:09 PM

We've got a BIG one this week, covering my adventures to Springfield and back. Some rare catches are in this one!

https://youtu.be/aly65Bd9kuA

Harrison

Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.

Modeling the D&H in 1978.

Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"

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Posted by tree68 on Saturday, February 26, 2022 7:56 PM

Will you be at St Albans?  Look me up if you are.

LarryWhistling
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Posted by Harrison on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 7:36 AM

tree68

Will you be at St Albans?  Look me up if you are.

 

Sent you a PM.

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

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Posted by Harrison on Friday, March 11, 2022 7:22 PM

After over 3 years, I return to the Mohawk sub for some more action!

https://youtu.be/zCUWuRf_XJY

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

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Posted by Flintlock76 on Saturday, March 12, 2022 10:11 AM

And some fine action indeed!

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Posted by rixflix on Saturday, March 12, 2022 4:05 PM

Like a lot of new townhouse developments, the Utica station looks like it's made of bainbridge board.

Rick

rixflix aka Captain Video. Blessed be Jean Shepherd and all His works!!! Hooray for 1939, the all time movie year!!! I took that ride on the Reading but my Baby caught the Katy and left me a mule to ride.

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Posted by tree68 on Saturday, March 12, 2022 5:10 PM

rixflix

Like a lot of new townhouse developments, the Utica station looks like it's made of bainbridge board.  Rick

There is a lot of construction in the area west of the station.  Not much of it is visible in the video, though.  The four story brick building is an old warehouse.

Harrison's morning location was adjacent to the Susquehanna yard.  You can catch a couple of glimpses of the old Lackawanna freight house.

From that same location you can also spot a bit of the old Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg roundhouse and the Adirondack's new engine house.

What you see of the Utica station is the towers supporting the walkway over the tracks.  The station proper is a wonder to behold.  It was built in 1914, and I think it was designed by the same folks that designed GCT.  Google "Utica Union Station" and see for yourself.  Yes, the benches are heated.

At one time the station held the payroll office for the Central, as well as a dispatcher's office.

Oneida County took over the station, and, to their credit, preserved it instead of tearing it down.  It now houses Amtrak, a bus station, the Adirondack, numerous county offices (including DMV), a restaurant, and even a barber shop.

NYC 6721 is the only NYC steam engine extant in NY state.  It actually bore the brunt of the runaway covered hopper several years ago, likely saving the tower (that Harrison was standing next to) from total destruction, which might have dropped the overhead walkway onto the tracks.  The locomotive has been cosmetically rehabilitated.  It is owned by the local chapter of NRHS.

The maroon NS coach is one of two the Adirondack bought several years ago.  The M420 (widecab) was just added to the roster.  Visible in several of the shots from the track 2 platform is the Adirondack's "new" diner.

I've run 1835 numerous times.  It's a good locomotive, and one of two RS18u's on the roster.

Great video, by the way.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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Posted by Flintlock76 on Saturday, March 12, 2022 5:23 PM

tree68
NYC 6721 is the only NYC steam engine extant in NY state.  It actually bore the brunt of the runaway covered hopper several years ago, likely saving the tower (that Harrison was standing next to) from total destruction, which might have dropped the overhead walkway onto the tracks. 

Now that goes to show you just how heroic steam engines are.  Even sitting cold and immobile it saved the station!  Thumbs Up

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Posted by tree68 on Saturday, March 12, 2022 7:30 PM

Flintlock76
Now that goes to show you just how heroic steam engines are.  Even sitting cold and immobile it saved the station!  

There is video of the actual collision from the other side (east) side of the tower.  As I recall there were folks waiting on Amtrak.  Much scurrying.  Fortunately, no one was hurt.

The tower was closed for repairs for some months.

All because a 13 YO released the handbrake...

It was a pain because all passengers for Track 1 had to be escorted across the tracks.

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
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Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

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Posted by Electroliner 1935 on Sunday, March 13, 2022 10:20 PM

tree68
I've run 1835 numerous times.  It's a good locomotive, and one of two RS18u's on the roster. Great video, by the way.

Nice video Harrison, I have two questions. One for Larry and one for Harrison:

1) @ 6:20 in the video, as I157 approaches, its horn is blown but the ditch lights don't flash. Other trains did flash when a horn blown. Defect? 

2) Larry. I note a number of EMD diesels and wonder what your RR does to handle freezing since antifreeze isn't recommended. Drain or heaters?

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Posted by tree68 on Monday, March 14, 2022 6:45 AM

Electroliner 1935
2) Larry. I note a number of EMD diesels and wonder what your RR does to handle freezing since antifreeze isn't recommended. Drain or heaters?

Yes...

Several of our locomotives have heaters.  They tie in to the 480 HEP on the cars, which we have to keep on in cold weather to keep the cars from freezing as well.

If we are going to be using a locomotive without a heater during the winter we keep it running, or run it often enough to keep it from freezing.

If it's OOS for the year, it gets drained.

LarryWhistling
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...

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Posted by Flintlock76 on Monday, March 14, 2022 8:19 AM

Electroliner 1935
I note a number of EMD diesels and wonder what your RR does to handle freezing since antifreeze isn't recommended

A question for Larry or anyone who can answer.

Why is antifreeze not recommended for diesel engines, or specifically diesel engines in locomotives?  As far as I know it's used in truck engines but I could be wrong on that.

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Posted by tree68 on Monday, March 14, 2022 12:24 PM

Flintlock76
Why is antifreeze not recommended for diesel engines, or specifically diesel engines in locomotives?  As far as I know it's used in truck engines but I could be wrong on that.

Any technical explanation is above my pay grade.

But we're talking a LOT of coolant.  Like drums worth.  

Retail antifreeze in gallon jugs runs upwards of $9.00 per gallon.  Even bought in quantity amounts, it's going to be expensive.

Recall, too, that back when fuel was cheap, locomotives were simply left running most of the time.  No need for antifreeze.  

Another consideration is disposing of the coolant when you do drain it.  While the water is treated with corrosion inhibitors, it's still not the pollution issue of the treated water.

Diesel prime movers aren't alway the tightest, either.  With water as coolant, you can just throw a garden hose in if it's running low.

LarryWhistling
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...

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Posted by Harrison on Monday, March 14, 2022 12:32 PM

Electroliner 1935

 

 
tree68
I've run 1835 numerous times.  It's a good locomotive, and one of two RS18u's on the roster. Great video, by the way.

 

Nice video Harrison, I have two questions. One for Larry and one for Harrison:

1) @ 6:20 in the video, as I157 approaches, its horn is blown but the ditch lights don't flash. Other trains did flash when a horn blown. Defect? 

2) Larry. I note a number of EMD diesels and wonder what your RR does to handle freezing since antifreeze isn't recommended. Drain or heaters?

 

Electroliner 1935

 

 
tree68
I've run 1835 numerous times.  It's a good locomotive, and one of two RS18u's on the roster. Great video, by the way.

 

Nice video Harrison, I have two questions. One for Larry and one for Harrison:

1) @ 6:20 in the video, as I157 approaches, its horn is blown but the ditch lights don't flash. Other trains did flash when a horn blown. Defect? 

2) Larry. I note a number of EMD diesels and wonder what your RR does to handle freezing since antifreeze isn't recommended. Drain or heaters?

 

Not sure about the ditch lights, perhaps when the SD40 was rebuilt it wasn't rebuilt to have a flasher circuit. 

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

  • Member since
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  • From: Henrico, VA
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Posted by Flintlock76 on Monday, March 14, 2022 12:41 PM

Thanks Larry!

Wayne

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Posted by MP173 on Monday, March 14, 2022 1:18 PM

Harrison:

I just watched your Mohawk action.  You are quite skilled.  Too bad the weather wasnt more cooperative.

Questions...I watch the Berea and Deshler (Oh) cams and view many of the trains you filmed.  Q9  typically has the international containers in front with the domestics following.  Your view had the domestics first.  Does the work at Syracuse change the order?  Q9 is usually a beast of a train, often 250 to 350 containers, split 50/50 or so.  Is there a large pickup at Syracuse?

I 159 - New Jersey to Syracuse...then becomes I161.  Why the change in symbols.  I161 is a train I watch - Berea around 7am....another large train - typically 400 containers with only the 2 motors (split with a DP) - often 13000 ft or larger.  What occurs at Syracuse?  Are these split into BNSF and UP trains for relay at North Baltimore?

 

Great film and commentary.

 

Ed

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Posted by Harrison on Monday, March 14, 2022 4:26 PM

MP173

Harrison:

I just watched your Mohawk action.  You are quite skilled.  Too bad the weather wasnt more cooperative.

Questions...I watch the Berea and Deshler (Oh) cams and view many of the trains you filmed.  Q9  typically has the international containers in front with the domestics following.  Your view had the domestics first.  Does the work at Syracuse change the order?  Q9 is usually a beast of a train, often 250 to 350 containers, split 50/50 or so.  Is there a large pickup at Syracuse?

I 159 - New Jersey to Syracuse...then becomes I161.  Why the change in symbols.  I161 is a train I watch - Berea around 7am....another large train - typically 400 containers with only the 2 motors (split with a DP) - often 13000 ft or larger.  What occurs at Syracuse?  Are these split into BNSF and UP trains for relay at North Baltimore?

 

Great film and commentary.

 

Ed

 

There isn't much logic behind the symbol change, other than it sits for several hours being rerbuilt. The counterpart, I162 (I believe) doesn't make the change, it's a one-way change. As for 009, I don't think they work Syracuse on a regular basis, although I017 does. 

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

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Posted by BaltACD on Monday, March 14, 2022 5:34 PM

Harrison
There isn't much logic behind the symbol change, other than it sits for several hours being rerbuilt. The counterpart, I162 (I believe) doesn't make the change, it's a one-way change. As for 009, I don't think they work Syracuse on a regular basis, although I017 does. 

If one had access to CSX Service Design's schedules and classification computer application I suspect the reasoning could be deduced.

CSX Service Design modifies the operating plan on a weekly basis to have it work in concert with Maintenance of Way projects as well as other projects that may be taking place at individual locations.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by Electroliner 1935 on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 5:12 PM

Thanks Larry, Thats similar to what we do at the FRTM. We drain the Whitcomb and use antifreeze in the GE 44 ton #5. It saves us if we have 600 V DC issues.

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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 10:13 AM

Another issue with antifreeze in many railroad-size diesels is leakage of coolant into the crankcase.  Ethylene glycol can break down lube oil.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
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Posted by Electroliner 1935 on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 9:29 PM

Thanks.

That was what I had heard about EMD's but as hearsay, I was not sure.

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Posted by BaltACD on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 10:08 PM

CSSHEGEWISCH
Another issue with antifreeze in many railroad-size diesels is leakage of coolant into the crankcase.  Ethylene glycol can break down lube oil.

Water doesn't do lube oil any good either.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by Harrison on Saturday, March 19, 2022 8:31 PM

Coming in hot- err, a day late, with the latest edition of northend trains.

https://youtu.be/Xh3iObCFnaA

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

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    April 2018
  • From: Northern NY (Think Upstate but even more)
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Posted by Harrison on Friday, April 8, 2022 6:53 PM

We're back with symbol changes from CP, a brand new NS locomotive, and a CP heritage... 

https://youtu.be/_2pf2EW8XuQ

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

  • Member since
    April 2018
  • From: Northern NY (Think Upstate but even more)
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Posted by Harrison on Friday, April 22, 2022 7:41 PM

In this video we catch some great action exclusively in the city of Plattsburgh. This is the second video in 2 weeks that YouTube screwed up the upload for and I had to reupload...

https://youtu.be/sszGrWclTbo

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

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Posted by MidlandMike on Saturday, April 23, 2022 10:17 PM

Google Earth historical images show the Plattsburg yard tracks were still there in 4/2003, but the next image in 2006 shows parking lots.

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Posted by Harrison on Monday, May 2, 2022 11:45 AM

We return to the River Line in this video, filmed last December.

https://youtu.be/5liOqkp2rG4

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

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Posted by Harrison on Saturday, May 7, 2022 11:18 AM

Odd, my post never went through last night. In the first installment of my Conn. River trip, we chase some trains down the D&H including a KCSM unit on 929!

https://youtu.be/qt6w1vfPc8Y

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

  • Member since
    April 2018
  • From: Northern NY (Think Upstate but even more)
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Posted by Harrison on Monday, May 9, 2022 9:20 AM

The railfan videos just keep coming, as I take a look at CP's new "Laser Train" on its debut trip down the D&H.

https://youtu.be/U7b4pcwp-yc

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

  • Member since
    April 2018
  • From: Northern NY (Think Upstate but even more)
  • 1,306 posts
Posted by Harrison on Sunday, May 15, 2022 5:29 PM

https://youtu.be/1m8sR33cExI

In this video we're visiting Bellows Falls, VT. We only caught a couple of trains, but I cover much of the town's rail operations.

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

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