I am curious what CMO reporting marks stand for?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV82N59QElM
I guessed (correctly) but then looked it up to make sure. It's the Omaha Road.
AAR Railroad Reporting Marks (2023) (railserve.com)
The former Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha is a busy piece of railroad between Minneapolis and Omaha.
C&NW used the CMO and M&StL reporting marks in the 80's and 90's on whole blocks of such cars as covered hoppers and coal gondolas. I don't know the reason behind it.
Few comments
1. Big John hoppers on steriods
2. Like the fall protection of the person operating the car covers.
3, track mobile seemed capable to move long string of cars
4. Flood loading of cars rather speedy.
CSSHEGEWISCHC&NW used the CMO and M&StL reporting marks in the 80's and 90's on whole blocks of such cars as covered hoppers and coal gondolas. I don't know the reason behind it.
When CSX and NS split Conrail, they used NYC and PRR reporting marks on the cars each got. You can still see them around today.
IIRC, GVT still uses the reporting marks of the Lowville & Beaver River, although that now isolated shortline has long since become history.
Just like the use of reporting marks like UPY, it gives a railroad more space because they can use a given number series twice.
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...
UP also uses the former Ft Dodge, Des Moines and Southern reporting marks (FDDM) on some center beam lumber flats.
I seem to recall hearing something about the financing for rebuilding or acquiring some covered hoppers by CNW was why they used MSTL marks on some cars. It was an easy way to identify the cars affected.
Jeff
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