Traffic Volume in Fostoria

[tregurtha]

I was in Fostoria, Ohio on Sunday, expecting the usual pararde of trains. Was there for about 4 hours (10:30 to 2:30 p.m.) and saw about 10, mostly on the diamond near Columbus Ave and on the NS line. After several visits to Fostoria, that seemed pretty light. Is volume lighter on Sunday, was something else up, or just coincidence?? Also at one point there was a high yellow signal with a flashing green below it on the CSX line. I was expecting a train to come along at restricted speed, but a CSX stack train flew through at high speed. Is that unusual, and what does the flashing green indicate.

Thanks much for any info you can provide.

Ross R.

[Junctionfan]

I believe a flashing green with yellow over top mean prepare to switch tracks and prepare to stop at the next signal.

As far as traffic goes, Thursdays and Tuesdays are usually the busiest for some reason as most of the intermodals and manifest come out the most. Coal trains and other unit "as required trains" come when ever they feel like it as I found out when I went there. Generally, alot of CSX coal trains empty or not seem to venture out in the evening/ overnight period. Most of the auto traffic comes out in the afternoon-mostly unit autorack trains heading west.

I didn't see any K trains though but again they are as required but I still saw over 70 trains in 8 hours.

[CShaveRR]

On CSX, a yellow-over-flashing-green signal is Approach Limited. It means to prepare to pass the next signal at Limited Speed (I'm not sure what that is on CSX, but it's probably 45 m.p.h. or so--faster than "Medium Speed", which is generally around 30). It means that the next signal will be red-over-flashing-green (Limited Clear), and would probably be found at one of the high-speed crossovers on the former B&O main line (you weren't specific about which "CSX line" it was on, but I doubt that the old C&O line has signals showing that aspect).

[Junctionfan]

I think coming from Chicago heading South on the Colombus Subdivision from the Willard Subdivision I have seen a few trains get that signal before. I will have to look at my photographs as I'm sure I have seen that standing at the station.

[JoeKoh]

ross
welcome to the forums.sunday afternoons are usually the "quiet time" for csx.brother carl is right you probably saw the signals on the old B&O Line.there is also alot of trafficc from willard to walbridge yard too.
stay safe
joe

[MP173]

I just started listening to the web based scanner for Fostoria area about a month ago and am really hooked by this place. Never been there, probably never will go, but from an operations standpoint, it is quite fascinating.

Last week was interesting in particular as a storm knocked out the signal system for the tower and all routings were controlled by Jacksonville.

For all the trains moving thru there, it sure seems to be a fluid operation, for the most part. The operators there must really be on their toes.

ed

[tregurtha]

Thanks, everyone for the info. It was very helpful!

Ross R.