DD40X

[Anonymous]

http://utahrails.net/webpubs/up-dda40x.htm

[Anonymous]

http://utahrails.net/webpubs/up-dda40x.htm

[Anonymous]

http://utahrails.net/all-time/all-time-62.htm ..........U.P. 6936......33 yrs old.....blt Jan 1971......laters

[Anonymous]

http://utahrails.net/all-time/all-time-62.htm ..........U.P. 6936......33 yrs old.....blt Jan 1971......laters

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TARGUBRIGHT

From what I understand the DD40X was some what of a failure,( twice the power, twice the failures). They drank alot of fuel and something was alway's broke on them. Probably why they never lasted very long.
TIM A

It's certainly untrue that they didn't last long. The first unit went into serice in 5/69 and the last one was withdrawn from regular service in 1985 or 1986. That's a service life of 15-16 years which is about standard for most diesel locomotives. It is true that they were stored from 5/80 until 1984 due to the recession. Ths was due in part to their great size and the fact that other roads would not accept them as runthrough power. They were very successful on the UP, running 20,000 miles a month in the hottest intermodal serice. They were very fast as well as big.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TARGUBRIGHT

From what I understand the DD40X was some what of a failure,( twice the power, twice the failures). They drank alot of fuel and something was alway's broke on them. Probably why they never lasted very long.
TIM A

It's certainly untrue that they didn't last long. The first unit went into serice in 5/69 and the last one was withdrawn from regular service in 1985 or 1986. That's a service life of 15-16 years which is about standard for most diesel locomotives. It is true that they were stored from 5/80 until 1984 due to the recession. Ths was due in part to their great size and the fact that other roads would not accept them as runthrough power. They were very successful on the UP, running 20,000 miles a month in the hottest intermodal serice. They were very fast as well as big.

[espeefoamer]

I remember the DD40AXs well as I used to live within sight of the UP main line.I saw two consists including DD40s that folks might find interesting;one was,DD40,GP9.Just those two units!The other,consisted of five DD40s and three SD40s.They were fine locos to watch,they will be missed.I am glad one is still in service.[8D]

[espeefoamer]

I remember the DD40AXs well as I used to live within sight of the UP main line.I saw two consists including DD40s that folks might find interesting;one was,DD40,GP9.Just those two units!The other,consisted of five DD40s and three SD40s.They were fine locos to watch,they will be missed.I am glad one is still in service.[8D]

[Anonymous]

Just for Info . . . .

The DD40 at North Little Rock, is in FRONT of the Jenks shops. So if you are trying to find the 3985 go under the rr bridge on 4th street and you should be able to see it "back left".

[Anonymous]

Just for Info . . . .

The DD40 at North Little Rock, is in FRONT of the Jenks shops. So if you are trying to find the 3985 go under the rr bridge on 4th street and you should be able to see it "back left".

[Anonymous]

Here's a list of what happened to all of the DDA40Xs:

Preserved:
6900 on display at Kenefick Park, Omaha,Nebraska
6901 on display at Ross Park, Pocatello, Idaho
6911 at Mexico Institute of Technology, Mexico City
6913 on display at the Texas Fairgrounds, Dallas,TX
6915 on display at the California State Fairgrounds, Ponoma,CA
6916 on display at Ogden Station, Ogden, Utah
6922 on display at Cody Park, Omaha, Nebraska
6925 sold to Dakota Southern, stored in Chamberlain, South Dakota, parts missing.
6930 on display at the Illinois Railway Museum, Union, IL.
6936 in service for UP.
6938 on display at Jenks Shops, North Little Rock, Arkansas
6944 on display at the National Museum of Transport in St. Louis
6946 on display in Portola, CA

The rest of the DDA40Xs were scrapped. I hope this helps you [:)].

[Anonymous]

Here's a list of what happened to all of the DDA40Xs:

Preserved:
6900 on display at Kenefick Park, Omaha,Nebraska
6901 on display at Ross Park, Pocatello, Idaho
6911 at Mexico Institute of Technology, Mexico City
6913 on display at the Texas Fairgrounds, Dallas,TX
6915 on display at the California State Fairgrounds, Ponoma,CA
6916 on display at Ogden Station, Ogden, Utah
6922 on display at Cody Park, Omaha, Nebraska
6925 sold to Dakota Southern, stored in Chamberlain, South Dakota, parts missing.
6930 on display at the Illinois Railway Museum, Union, IL.
6936 in service for UP.
6938 on display at Jenks Shops, North Little Rock, Arkansas
6944 on display at the National Museum of Transport in St. Louis
6946 on display in Portola, CA

The rest of the DDA40Xs were scrapped. I hope this helps you [:)].

[Anonymous]

[bday][wow]This year 6936 will be in service for 35 years!!! Wow!!!

Because of this, I think that UP doesn´t use BINFORD TOOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DDA40X forever! The X-mark was a mistake! It wasn´t EXPERIMENTAL!

[bow][^][bow]

QUOTE: Originally posted by UPTRAIN

The 6936 is the only operating one today...at 98 feet long it's like a diesel Big Boy...I ran it once back last February on a UP inspection train....ALL HAIL THE POWER!!!!!!! *(Tim Allen Growl)*

[Anonymous]

[bday][wow]This year 6936 will be in service for 35 years!!! Wow!!!

Because of this, I think that UP doesn´t use BINFORD TOOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DDA40X forever! The X-mark was a mistake! It wasn´t EXPERIMENTAL!

[bow][^][bow]

QUOTE: Originally posted by UPTRAIN

The 6936 is the only operating one today...at 98 feet long it's like a diesel Big Boy...I ran it once back last February on a UP inspection train....ALL HAIL THE POWER!!!!!!! *(Tim Allen Growl)*

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by UPTRAIN

The 6936 is the only operating one today...at 98 feet long it's like a diesel Big Boy...I ran it once back last February on a UP inspection train....ALL HAIL THE POWER!!!!!!! *(Tim Allen Growl)*

UPTRAIN [8D] [;)]

Congrats on the two blues. [:)] [:)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by UPTRAIN

The 6936 is the only operating one today...at 98 feet long it's like a diesel Big Boy...I ran it once back last February on a UP inspection train....ALL HAIL THE POWER!!!!!!! *(Tim Allen Growl)*

UPTRAIN [8D] [;)]

Congrats on the two blues. [:)] [:)]

[UPTRAIN]

The 6936 is the only operating one today...at 98 feet long it's like a diesel Big Boy...I ran it once back last February on a UP inspection train....ALL HAIL THE POWER!!!!!!! *(Tim Allen Growl)*

[UPTRAIN]

The 6936 is the only operating one today...at 98 feet long it's like a diesel Big Boy...I ran it once back last February on a UP inspection train....ALL HAIL THE POWER!!!!!!! *(Tim Allen Growl)*

[Anonymous]

Hey All..............where did everybody go..........

[Anonymous]

Hey All..............where did everybody go..........

[Anonymous]

Hey Everone,

I just wanted to tell everyone to have a "VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS" and a "PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.........stay safe and keep warm.

Jon

[Anonymous]

Hey Everone,

I just wanted to tell everyone to have a "VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS" and a "PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.........stay safe and keep warm.

Jon

[sooblue]

Hi jhhtrainsplanes,
Hobo-en isn't what it used to be. End up in someones meat locker.
There is a Hobo society, don't know the name of it anymore, but they meet every year.
Hobo-en was BIG after WWII. That's when my Granfather in-law did it.
Buy a small scooter that gets 100+ mpg and go see the country.
Sooblue

QUOTE: Originally posted by jhhtrainsplanes

Years ago I worked for Rail Bearing Service here in North Little Rock. We remaned many bearings for MOPAC/UP. On Saturdays if we didn't work I had to go in and check the equipment and such. There was a big field next to the shop and right behind us was the railroad yard. I usually tried to take Sasha (my first Doberman) and let her play in the big field. She loved to run and I could trust her to come when called. She was an excellent dog and knew how to behave. She ran across this guy laying down in the big field. So I went over and let him know she was a good dog and he was ok. We began to talk and I found out he was a hobo. All he had with him was a bedroll and a few small things he could carry in a small sack. He told me he had been doing that for years and usually didn't have any problems. He was headed to Texas. He had been up north. I never saw him again after that and have always wondered about him.

When I was little we had a hobo knock on a neighbors's door and ask for food. It really scared her and she called over to our house so we could keep an eye out for him and make sure she was ok too. I don't remember much more than that about it.

I guess there are more around than we can imagine. It might be fun for a little while but not for long. Sorry, I need a roof over my head and food in my mouth. I don't think Duchess would care much for it either. She is too spoiled already. It would worry my mother sick so I guess I will keep my job and house and stay right here. [:)] [;)]

[sooblue]

Hi jhhtrainsplanes,
Hobo-en isn't what it used to be. End up in someones meat locker.
There is a Hobo society, don't know the name of it anymore, but they meet every year.
Hobo-en was BIG after WWII. That's when my Granfather in-law did it.
Buy a small scooter that gets 100+ mpg and go see the country.
Sooblue

QUOTE: Originally posted by jhhtrainsplanes

Years ago I worked for Rail Bearing Service here in North Little Rock. We remaned many bearings for MOPAC/UP. On Saturdays if we didn't work I had to go in and check the equipment and such. There was a big field next to the shop and right behind us was the railroad yard. I usually tried to take Sasha (my first Doberman) and let her play in the big field. She loved to run and I could trust her to come when called. She was an excellent dog and knew how to behave. She ran across this guy laying down in the big field. So I went over and let him know she was a good dog and he was ok. We began to talk and I found out he was a hobo. All he had with him was a bedroll and a few small things he could carry in a small sack. He told me he had been doing that for years and usually didn't have any problems. He was headed to Texas. He had been up north. I never saw him again after that and have always wondered about him.

When I was little we had a hobo knock on a neighbors's door and ask for food. It really scared her and she called over to our house so we could keep an eye out for him and make sure she was ok too. I don't remember much more than that about it.

I guess there are more around than we can imagine. It might be fun for a little while but not for long. Sorry, I need a roof over my head and food in my mouth. I don't think Duchess would care much for it either. She is too spoiled already. It would worry my mother sick so I guess I will keep my job and house and stay right here. [:)] [;)]

[Anonymous]

Years ago I worked for Rail Bearing Service here in North Little Rock. We remaned many bearings for MOPAC/UP. On Saturdays if we didn't work I had to go in and check the equipment and such. There was a big field next to the shop and right behind us was the railroad yard. I usually tried to take Sasha (my first Doberman) and let her play in the big field. She loved to run and I could trust her to come when called. She was an excellent dog and knew how to behave. She ran across this guy laying down in the big field. So I went over and let him know she was a good dog and he was ok. We began to talk and I found out he was a hobo. All he had with him was a bedroll and a few small things he could carry in a small sack. He told me he had been doing that for years and usually didn't have any problems. He was headed to Texas. He had been up north. I never saw him again after that and have always wondered about him.

When I was little we had a hobo knock on a neighbors's door and ask for food. It really scared her and she called over to our house so we could keep an eye out for him and make sure she was ok too. I don't remember much more than that about it.

I guess there are more around than we can imagine. It might be fun for a little while but not for long. Sorry, I need a roof over my head and food in my mouth. I don't think Duchess would care much for it either. She is too spoiled already. It would worry my mother sick so I guess I will keep my job and house and stay right here. [:)] [;)]

[Anonymous]

Years ago I worked for Rail Bearing Service here in North Little Rock. We remaned many bearings for MOPAC/UP. On Saturdays if we didn't work I had to go in and check the equipment and such. There was a big field next to the shop and right behind us was the railroad yard. I usually tried to take Sasha (my first Doberman) and let her play in the big field. She loved to run and I could trust her to come when called. She was an excellent dog and knew how to behave. She ran across this guy laying down in the big field. So I went over and let him know she was a good dog and he was ok. We began to talk and I found out he was a hobo. All he had with him was a bedroll and a few small things he could carry in a small sack. He told me he had been doing that for years and usually didn't have any problems. He was headed to Texas. He had been up north. I never saw him again after that and have always wondered about him.

When I was little we had a hobo knock on a neighbors's door and ask for food. It really scared her and she called over to our house so we could keep an eye out for him and make sure she was ok too. I don't remember much more than that about it.

I guess there are more around than we can imagine. It might be fun for a little while but not for long. Sorry, I need a roof over my head and food in my mouth. I don't think Duchess would care much for it either. She is too spoiled already. It would worry my mother sick so I guess I will keep my job and house and stay right here. [:)] [;)]

[sooblue]

Hi Ed,
Just got back from where I've been and now I can catch up.
We used to have a place in NE Mpls. that the Hobos loved to stay in. I grew up right down the street from "the Hobo.......WOW ! gone just like that[V]
I'll have to come back to this one. I hate when that happens [xx(] Just think, I've experienced a derailment, My train of thought. [:D]
Sooblue
Wait ! it's back. "the Hobo village" dah! [:I]

My ex-wifes Grandfather was a Hobo. He was the only one in my Xs family that liked me and took my side. He bo-ed for six years. That was AFTER he married into my ex-wifes family [:D][:D][:D]

Had a moniker but I don't remember what it was but he was a good man and he knew many other Hobos that we just as good. They would go from area to area LOOKING for work. They'd work till they got tired of the grind and had enough bread and then off they'd go. They were never bothered by the bull and they never damaged RR property.

Bat21 could be that way BUT ??. From what I've been told Bo-s would leave their moniker and little else and they didn't talk too much about what they did. Only to a few.
OH WELL, a bygone era.
Sooblue

QUOTE: Originally posted by edblysard

Hi Blue,
When we see them in a trailing unit, and its a bum, or a realitive of Mr Cellphone, we leave them be, call the gumshoes, and make arangements for them to meet us at a certain crossing, and we stop the train where they are waiting, guys on each side of the locomotives.
Havent had one fight yet, they go pretty quitely.
If its a kid, joyriding, we usually go get them, bring them into the cab, chew their butt up and down for a while.
The we put then off at the next crossing with warnings that next time we call the cops.
Havent had a repeater.
In the yard, if we see them in a car, we keep on switching till we get down to that car, then drag it up in front of the tower, where we have the gumshoes waiting.
Because we are a switching road, we really dont have main line per se, but we get our share of these dummies.
We did have a pair of real hobos get on a leading unit that was dragging a switch cut out, demanding to know where "this train is going"
They picked the wrong train, our engineer then was a ex Louisiana State fullback, and, after they ignored his request to get off the locomotive, he really and truly threw them off, while it was running about ten mph.
Just picked them up and chunked them over the railing.
Along with you, I would like to hear how wasbash would deal with them on a long distance run, out in the middle of the boonies!
Stay Frosty,
Ed

[sooblue]

Hi Ed,
Just got back from where I've been and now I can catch up.
We used to have a place in NE Mpls. that the Hobos loved to stay in. I grew up right down the street from "the Hobo.......WOW ! gone just like that[V]
I'll have to come back to this one. I hate when that happens [xx(] Just think, I've experienced a derailment, My train of thought. [:D]
Sooblue
Wait ! it's back. "the Hobo village" dah! [:I]

My ex-wifes Grandfather was a Hobo. He was the only one in my Xs family that liked me and took my side. He bo-ed for six years. That was AFTER he married into my ex-wifes family [:D][:D][:D]

Had a moniker but I don't remember what it was but he was a good man and he knew many other Hobos that we just as good. They would go from area to area LOOKING for work. They'd work till they got tired of the grind and had enough bread and then off they'd go. They were never bothered by the bull and they never damaged RR property.

Bat21 could be that way BUT ??. From what I've been told Bo-s would leave their moniker and little else and they didn't talk too much about what they did. Only to a few.
OH WELL, a bygone era.
Sooblue

QUOTE: Originally posted by edblysard

Hi Blue,
When we see them in a trailing unit, and its a bum, or a realitive of Mr Cellphone, we leave them be, call the gumshoes, and make arangements for them to meet us at a certain crossing, and we stop the train where they are waiting, guys on each side of the locomotives.
Havent had one fight yet, they go pretty quitely.
If its a kid, joyriding, we usually go get them, bring them into the cab, chew their butt up and down for a while.
The we put then off at the next crossing with warnings that next time we call the cops.
Havent had a repeater.
In the yard, if we see them in a car, we keep on switching till we get down to that car, then drag it up in front of the tower, where we have the gumshoes waiting.
Because we are a switching road, we really dont have main line per se, but we get our share of these dummies.
We did have a pair of real hobos get on a leading unit that was dragging a switch cut out, demanding to know where "this train is going"
They picked the wrong train, our engineer then was a ex Louisiana State fullback, and, after they ignored his request to get off the locomotive, he really and truly threw them off, while it was running about ten mph.
Just picked them up and chunked them over the railing.
Along with you, I would like to hear how wasbash would deal with them on a long distance run, out in the middle of the boonies!
Stay Frosty,
Ed

[Anonymous]

I am very glad you all got along. Thank you very much.[:)][^][^]
I started this thread, after all.[:)]

[Anonymous]

I am very glad you all got along. Thank you very much.[:)][^][^]
I started this thread, after all.[:)]

[edblysard]

Hi Bat21,
Our office is right next door to where you see the locomotive parked, the two story brick office building is ours.
Remotes, inside industries, are ok, after all, switching and pulling hot poured steel inside a mill is not the best place for humans to be!
But, for the most part, on our property, remotes wouldnt work, we have way too many public crossings.

The loco you see is for jobs 170, 270 and 370, the jobs that works manchester yard and the industries around the bridge.

Stay Frosty,
Ed

[edblysard]

Hi Bat21,
Our office is right next door to where you see the locomotive parked, the two story brick office building is ours.
Remotes, inside industries, are ok, after all, switching and pulling hot poured steel inside a mill is not the best place for humans to be!
But, for the most part, on our property, remotes wouldnt work, we have way too many public crossings.

The loco you see is for jobs 170, 270 and 370, the jobs that works manchester yard and the industries around the bridge.

Stay Frosty,
Ed

[Anonymous]

P.S.......I almost forgot....this also do away with jobs. I think that is an important issue, I think in this case the machine could not replace the human.

Jon

[Anonymous]

P.S.......I almost forgot....this also do away with jobs. I think that is an important issue, I think in this case the machine could not replace the human.

Jon

[Anonymous]

I guess the engineer is on the ground and has a transmitter radio box to control the loco. I have read lots of arguments against it by employee's on "BLE" sites regarding safety. For one thing, no matter the operator's location, he could not see on the oppisite side of the loco ie, if I cannot see you, you cannot see me. Someone could be on the other side and get hurt and and the operator not see them.

[Anonymous]

I guess the engineer is on the ground and has a transmitter radio box to control the loco. I have read lots of arguments against it by employee's on "BLE" sites regarding safety. For one thing, no matter the operator's location, he could not see on the oppisite side of the loco ie, if I cannot see you, you cannot see me. Someone could be on the other side and get hurt and and the operator not see them.

[Anonymous]

ED...Awesome info, I learned alot and have a new found respect for your railroad, and a cool 80 yrs old next year. That should put it up there in the standings. I got it about the difference in the blue units. I think I remember now seeing one of yours, they usually park it at the west end of Manchester, on the west side of the bridge. Hey, I know the union is against it, but what is your opinion about the use of remote control loco's for switching duties in yards?

[Anonymous]

ED...Awesome info, I learned alot and have a new found respect for your railroad, and a cool 80 yrs old next year. That should put it up there in the standings. I got it about the difference in the blue units. I think I remember now seeing one of yours, they usually park it at the west end of Manchester, on the west side of the bridge. Hey, I know the union is against it, but what is your opinion about the use of remote control loco's for switching duties in yards?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Bat21

Hello All....."I'm back"...I just wanted to apoligize to each and every one of you for my past undesirable comments. And to you Mr Blysard, I owe a sincere apoligy sir and hope we can shake hands and get on to better and more meaningful subjects.

Well I am glad to see you are back. [:)] I am happy that things will be ok between all involved. [8D] We do have alot of teens in the forums so it is good to be mindful of what we say. [B)] We really don't want to lead them astray. [:(] They are a pretty good bunch and most of them are really "on the ball". [:p]

It is nice to see a good outcome on this one [:D] Thank you and all involved. [:)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Bat21

Hello All....."I'm back"...I just wanted to apoligize to each and every one of you for my past undesirable comments. And to you Mr Blysard, I owe a sincere apoligy sir and hope we can shake hands and get on to better and more meaningful subjects.

Well I am glad to see you are back. [:)] I am happy that things will be ok between all involved. [8D] We do have alot of teens in the forums so it is good to be mindful of what we say. [B)] We really don't want to lead them astray. [:(] They are a pretty good bunch and most of them are really "on the ball". [:p]

It is nice to see a good outcome on this one [:D] Thank you and all involved. [:)]

[edblysard]

Ready to shake and call it even?
Ok by me.
No, the blue one you see up there are CEFX lease units to the UP.
The units numbered in the 2000 series are 2000 hp, the1500 series are 1500 hp.
They are the "new" geeps, but in reality, they are MK1500 and MK2000Ds.
Built under contract by Boise Locomotive, (Morrison Knudson, then Motive Power Inc, now Boise Locomotive) then ones you see have EMD Diesels.
Ours are a dark blue, and you might see one of them in Englewood when we go there to pull a transfer cut.
Thats as far north as we go.
The MK1500Ds we use have Cat diesels, and you will only see them on PTRA property.
We were the first road to order the MK1500D, in 1996.
Along with HBT, we ordered 35 units, numbers 9601 through 9624 went to us, the other 10 to HBT, which was absorbed by its parent roads a few years ago. All 35 units are dark blue, with a scotch light silver chevron on the nose.
The MK1500s the HB&T had went to BNSF, they use them as transfer locomotives, so you may see one of them running around anywhere, they are numbered 9625 through 9635.

The light blue units you see, with the white stripe on the side, and reporting mark of CEFX, are on a long term lease to UP.
But, our diesel shop has the repair contract, so we get a lot of them in here also.

A quick bit of history for you.
The PTRA was founded in 1924, as a netural switching association, back then we had some thing like 18 or 19 railroads that serviced houston and the ship channel industries.
Now we(the PTRA) are down to 3, the BNSF, UP and the Tex Mex.
We have over 450 miles of tracks, into and around both side of the ship channel.
Over 90 miles of running rail,(our version of a main line), three major yards, North Yard, 62 tracks, Manchester yard, 24 tracks,(thats the yard under the ship channel bridge) and Pasadena Yard, 15 tracks, along with three small yards.
We service the entire ship channel complex, on both sides out to Barbors cut.
In North Yard, we average 10 trains out to UP and BNSF per shift, 3 shifts a day.
We switch on average 2500 cars per day.
Not to shabby for a "little" railroad.
And the invite still stands, sorta of.
If you want, come by and I will show you around.
Sat through weds, 8 am to 3pm.
Stay Frosty,
Ed

[edblysard]

Ready to shake and call it even?
Ok by me.
No, the blue one you see up there are CEFX lease units to the UP.
The units numbered in the 2000 series are 2000 hp, the1500 series are 1500 hp.
They are the "new" geeps, but in reality, they are MK1500 and MK2000Ds.
Built under contract by Boise Locomotive, (Morrison Knudson, then Motive Power Inc, now Boise Locomotive) then ones you see have EMD Diesels.
Ours are a dark blue, and you might see one of them in Englewood when we go there to pull a transfer cut.
Thats as far north as we go.
The MK1500Ds we use have Cat diesels, and you will only see them on PTRA property.
We were the first road to order the MK1500D, in 1996.
Along with HBT, we ordered 35 units, numbers 9601 through 9624 went to us, the other 10 to HBT, which was absorbed by its parent roads a few years ago. All 35 units are dark blue, with a scotch light silver chevron on the nose.
The MK1500s the HB&T had went to BNSF, they use them as transfer locomotives, so you may see one of them running around anywhere, they are numbered 9625 through 9635.

The light blue units you see, with the white stripe on the side, and reporting mark of CEFX, are on a long term lease to UP.
But, our diesel shop has the repair contract, so we get a lot of them in here also.

A quick bit of history for you.
The PTRA was founded in 1924, as a netural switching association, back then we had some thing like 18 or 19 railroads that serviced houston and the ship channel industries.
Now we(the PTRA) are down to 3, the BNSF, UP and the Tex Mex.
We have over 450 miles of tracks, into and around both side of the ship channel.
Over 90 miles of running rail,(our version of a main line), three major yards, North Yard, 62 tracks, Manchester yard, 24 tracks,(thats the yard under the ship channel bridge) and Pasadena Yard, 15 tracks, along with three small yards.
We service the entire ship channel complex, on both sides out to Barbors cut.
In North Yard, we average 10 trains out to UP and BNSF per shift, 3 shifts a day.
We switch on average 2500 cars per day.
Not to shabby for a "little" railroad.
And the invite still stands, sorta of.
If you want, come by and I will show you around.
Sat through weds, 8 am to 3pm.
Stay Frosty,
Ed

[Anonymous]

ED....By the way....your loco's must be the ones blue ones with the elevated cabs...are they GP15D'S or 20D'S ? .....also, I was in the greenspoint area working last week near Hardy tollway and Beltway 8 (U.P. mainline) and I saw one of your loco's pulling cars south. Do you guys work that far north or was that loco on loan (horsepower hours) etc.?

[Anonymous]

ED....By the way....your loco's must be the ones blue ones with the elevated cabs...are they GP15D'S or 20D'S ? .....also, I was in the greenspoint area working last week near Hardy tollway and Beltway 8 (U.P. mainline) and I saw one of your loco's pulling cars south. Do you guys work that far north or was that loco on loan (horsepower hours) etc.?

[Anonymous]

Hello All....."I'm back"...I just wanted to apoligize to each and every one of you for my past undesirable comments. And to you Mr Blysard, I owe a sincere apoligy sir and hope we can shake hands and get on to better and more meaningful subjects.

[Anonymous]

Hello All....."I'm back"...I just wanted to apoligize to each and every one of you for my past undesirable comments. And to you Mr Blysard, I owe a sincere apoligy sir and hope we can shake hands and get on to better and more meaningful subjects.

[Anonymous]

Who would have ever thought that a loco that hasn't ran in years would generate so much forum traffic now. [:D]

[Anonymous]

Who would have ever thought that a loco that hasn't ran in years would generate so much forum traffic now. [:D]

[edblysard]

Hi Blue,
When we see them in a trailing unit, and its a bum, or a realitive of Mr Cellphone, we leave them be, call the gumshoes, and make arangements for them to meet us at a certain crossing, and we stop the train where they are waiting, guys on each side of the locomotives.
Havent had one fight yet, they go pretty quitely.
If its a kid, joyriding, we usually go get them, bring them into the cab, chew their butt up and down for a while.
The we put then off at the next crossing with warnings that next time we call the cops.
Havent had a repeater.
In the yard, if we see them in a car, we keep on switching till we get down to that car, then drag it up in front of the tower, where we have the gumshoes waiting.
Because we are a switching road, we really dont have main line per se, but we get our share of these dummies.
We did have a pair of real hobos get on a leading unit that was dragging a switch cut out, demanding to know where "this train is going"
They picked the wrong train, our engineer then was a ex Louisiana State fullback, and, after they ignored his request to get off the locomotive, he really and truly threw them off, while it was running about ten mph.
Just picked them up and chunked them over the railing.
Along with you, I would like to hear how wasbash would deal with them on a long distance run, out in the middle of the boonies!
Stay Frosty,
Ed

[edblysard]

Hi Blue,
When we see them in a trailing unit, and its a bum, or a realitive of Mr Cellphone, we leave them be, call the gumshoes, and make arangements for them to meet us at a certain crossing, and we stop the train where they are waiting, guys on each side of the locomotives.
Havent had one fight yet, they go pretty quitely.
If its a kid, joyriding, we usually go get them, bring them into the cab, chew their butt up and down for a while.
The we put then off at the next crossing with warnings that next time we call the cops.
Havent had a repeater.
In the yard, if we see them in a car, we keep on switching till we get down to that car, then drag it up in front of the tower, where we have the gumshoes waiting.
Because we are a switching road, we really dont have main line per se, but we get our share of these dummies.
We did have a pair of real hobos get on a leading unit that was dragging a switch cut out, demanding to know where "this train is going"
They picked the wrong train, our engineer then was a ex Louisiana State fullback, and, after they ignored his request to get off the locomotive, he really and truly threw them off, while it was running about ten mph.
Just picked them up and chunked them over the railing.
Along with you, I would like to hear how wasbash would deal with them on a long distance run, out in the middle of the boonies!
Stay Frosty,
Ed

[sooblue]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

MISSOURI LIVES!

OHHHH!
Jen, I was thinkin the same thing[:D][:D]
Lock out one Missouri and get another. It's just life.[:D]
Ed,
I hope Bat21 doesn't show up. You wrote like if he would have been standing in front of you he would have been in a choke hold [:D][:D]
If someone was aboard your train how would you handle it?
In a yard it wouldn't be that big a deal to say get off ! but out on the main line in the middle of no where how would it be handled?[:(]
Sooblue

[sooblue]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

MISSOURI LIVES!

OHHHH!
Jen, I was thinkin the same thing[:D][:D]
Lock out one Missouri and get another. It's just life.[:D]
Ed,
I hope Bat21 doesn't show up. You wrote like if he would have been standing in front of you he would have been in a choke hold [:D][:D]
If someone was aboard your train how would you handle it?
In a yard it wouldn't be that big a deal to say get off ! but out on the main line in the middle of no where how would it be handled?[:(]
Sooblue

[Mookie]

MISSOURI LIVES!

[Mookie]

MISSOURI LIVES!

[edblysard]

Hi Bat21,
Sorry, but Gene Hackman did a much better job with that tag.

And sorry my spelling dissapointed you.
Please note, it is "throw me off your train", not "through me off".
I would suggest your also check your spelling plus grammer, and you should try to write for context and content, not just for self amusement and self gratification.

But your wrong, not only am I proud of where I work, but proud of the work I do.
Without us, most of the industries along the Houston Ship Channel wouldnt have any way to ship their product by rail.

Although your were correct when you said you wernt very interesting.
That much of your posting sounds very true!

And as for size, well, I really could car less how big your behind is, or you gut, both must be massive compared to your brain.

Am I am neither impressed with your stories of tresspassing, or your story of riding in the cab..big deal, I ride in one, and on one, every day.

Wonder if your fat fanny could hang on the side of a covered hopper for a mile or two?
Doubt it, the wind drag from your oversized self important narcissistic ego would blow you off within a few hundred feet.

That is, if you had the stamina or courage to get on then hold on in the first place.

Although, you are full of enough hot air to be a trainmaster, all bulls*it and no brains.

Botton line, if you dont work there, you are a criminal if you trespass by train hopping.

Now, if you want to see how trains are really put together, and have the nuggies to see if big buck you can outwork a old man like me, come on down, and I will put you to work flat switching cars for eight hours.

If you live through the first two hours, I will even buy lunch.

We are at 8900 Clinton Drive, directly across from Gate 8, Port of Houston.

Just show up under the control tower at 7 am.
We would be real happy to see if you can back up your macho nonsense with real work, you know, the kind grown up men do.

By the way, what railroad do you work for?

And I noticed it took you from 8:02 to 9:15 to come up with six paragraphs of crap, do you always think that slow?
Or did it take you that long to look up most of the words with more than two syllables?

Oh, and just to be real clear, if you dont come back to this forum, well, good riddance to bad rubbish!
Ed

[edblysard]

Hi Bat21,
Sorry, but Gene Hackman did a much better job with that tag.

And sorry my spelling dissapointed you.
Please note, it is "throw me off your train", not "through me off".
I would suggest your also check your spelling plus grammer, and you should try to write for context and content, not just for self amusement and self gratification.

But your wrong, not only am I proud of where I work, but proud of the work I do.
Without us, most of the industries along the Houston Ship Channel wouldnt have any way to ship their product by rail.

Although your were correct when you said you wernt very interesting.
That much of your posting sounds very true!

And as for size, well, I really could car less how big your behind is, or you gut, both must be massive compared to your brain.

Am I am neither impressed with your stories of tresspassing, or your story of riding in the cab..big deal, I ride in one, and on one, every day.

Wonder if your fat fanny could hang on the side of a covered hopper for a mile or two?
Doubt it, the wind drag from your oversized self important narcissistic ego would blow you off within a few hundred feet.

That is, if you had the stamina or courage to get on then hold on in the first place.

Although, you are full of enough hot air to be a trainmaster, all bulls*it and no brains.

Botton line, if you dont work there, you are a criminal if you trespass by train hopping.

Now, if you want to see how trains are really put together, and have the nuggies to see if big buck you can outwork a old man like me, come on down, and I will put you to work flat switching cars for eight hours.

If you live through the first two hours, I will even buy lunch.

We are at 8900 Clinton Drive, directly across from Gate 8, Port of Houston.

Just show up under the control tower at 7 am.
We would be real happy to see if you can back up your macho nonsense with real work, you know, the kind grown up men do.

By the way, what railroad do you work for?

And I noticed it took you from 8:02 to 9:15 to come up with six paragraphs of crap, do you always think that slow?
Or did it take you that long to look up most of the words with more than two syllables?

Oh, and just to be real clear, if you dont come back to this forum, well, good riddance to bad rubbish!
Ed

[Anonymous]

I really, really hope you get caught someday. Or, I hope even more, before you get caught, you realize what you are doing and stop that. Its up to you.

[Anonymous]

I really, really hope you get caught someday. Or, I hope even more, before you get caught, you realize what you are doing and stop that. Its up to you.

[edblysard]

Lets see,
Tresspassing, interference with interstate commerce, not to mention placing yourself and the crew in danger, imagine what would have happened if you had played with any control surface, of better yet, the trainman who toked one up had found you before you woke up!
Normaly, what we do with the guys we find "bumming" a ride aint all that fun, from their side of it, anyway.
Did it ever occure to you that by climbing into the trailing unit, you are, in essence, climbing into their workplace?
Uninvited and unwelcome guest are not often treated very well.
And it is a crime for you to be there.
What do you do for a living now?
Can I just walk through your building, and climb on any equipment I find there?
Can I just waltz on in and plunk my fanny down at your desk?
Maybe play with your computer for a while?
Trust me, you dont want to get caught on any train I am the conductor of.
Its called tresspassing, period.
Not cool. or neat, or a fun thing to teach kids to do.
Its dangerous for you, and for us.
Not something to be proud of.
Ed

[edblysard]

Lets see,
Tresspassing, interference with interstate commerce, not to mention placing yourself and the crew in danger, imagine what would have happened if you had played with any control surface, of better yet, the trainman who toked one up had found you before you woke up!
Normaly, what we do with the guys we find "bumming" a ride aint all that fun, from their side of it, anyway.
Did it ever occure to you that by climbing into the trailing unit, you are, in essence, climbing into their workplace?
Uninvited and unwelcome guest are not often treated very well.
And it is a crime for you to be there.
What do you do for a living now?
Can I just walk through your building, and climb on any equipment I find there?
Can I just waltz on in and plunk my fanny down at your desk?
Maybe play with your computer for a while?
Trust me, you dont want to get caught on any train I am the conductor of.
Its called tresspassing, period.
Not cool. or neat, or a fun thing to teach kids to do.
Its dangerous for you, and for us.
Not something to be proud of.
Ed

[Anonymous]

The UP shows DD40 6936 at Cheyenne as of the 13th of Oct.

[Anonymous]

The UP shows DD40 6936 at Cheyenne as of the 13th of Oct.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Bat21

Gentlemen, In not wanting to upset anyone on here with regards to the accuracy of Information concerning the DDA40X. As a hobby growing up 1974-82, I started riding rear loco's of U.P. freights between Las Vegas Nevada, Yermo Calif, East Los Angeles and back. I've rode in all 3 monsters, U50C's, DD35's and the 40X. They rode like giant cadillac's and climbed Cima hill and Cajon Pass with ease....P.S....I did get caught a few times.............

Well, thats one way to get to know trains more. Thats a quite dangerous hobby you had. I hope you don't that anymore.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Bat21

Gentlemen, In not wanting to upset anyone on here with regards to the accuracy of Information concerning the DDA40X. As a hobby growing up 1974-82, I started riding rear loco's of U.P. freights between Las Vegas Nevada, Yermo Calif, East Los Angeles and back. I've rode in all 3 monsters, U50C's, DD35's and the 40X. They rode like giant cadillac's and climbed Cima hill and Cajon Pass with ease....P.S....I did get caught a few times.............

Well, thats one way to get to know trains more. Thats a quite dangerous hobby you had. I hope you don't that anymore.

[Anonymous]

Bat21

Are you saying YOU were a teenage HOBO? Tell us more, please.

[Anonymous]

Bat21

Are you saying YOU were a teenage HOBO? Tell us more, please.

[Anonymous]

Someone posted that the DD40X were failures. NOT TRUE They averaged over 2 million miles apiece. DEFINATELY NOT FAILURES. Now add the fact that so many of them still exist and it becomes a TRIBUTE to that model.

(Alex and Mitchell--I am trying REAL HARD, you should be proud of me.)

[Anonymous]

Someone posted that the DD40X were failures. NOT TRUE They averaged over 2 million miles apiece. DEFINATELY NOT FAILURES. Now add the fact that so many of them still exist and it becomes a TRIBUTE to that model.

(Alex and Mitchell--I am trying REAL HARD, you should be proud of me.)

[Anonymous]

a few nice links:
http://www.execulink.com/~nomad/ddax40.htm
http://www.steamlocomotive.com/centennials/

[Anonymous]

a few nice links:
http://www.execulink.com/~nomad/ddax40.htm
http://www.steamlocomotive.com/centennials/

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mudchicken

Pop quiz maybe not so good an option about now? Save the claws and teef for some smaller critter (sans beak & talons) that deserves the rath of mookie. I'd like to get thru Nebraska undamaged next week!

MC

I ordered you some really nice weather for your fly-by. And how about those Huskers! Now that I have said that, they will fall on their faces!

Moo

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mudchicken

Pop quiz maybe not so good an option about now? Save the claws and teef for some smaller critter (sans beak & talons) that deserves the rath of mookie. I'd like to get thru Nebraska undamaged next week!

MC

I ordered you some really nice weather for your fly-by. And how about those Huskers! Now that I have said that, they will fall on their faces!

Moo

[cbq9911a]

The DD40X at IRM in Union, 6930, "ran" last weekend at Member's Weekend. Essentially a control cab; SP SD7 1518 was doing the work. But it looked impressive on a 20 car freight.

[cbq9911a]

The DD40X at IRM in Union, 6930, "ran" last weekend at Member's Weekend. Essentially a control cab; SP SD7 1518 was doing the work. But it looked impressive on a 20 car freight.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TARGUBRIGHT

You would think Union Pacific had learned from the Big Boy failure, "Bigger is not better". I am surprised the SD90mac's are not seeing some of these problems.
TIM A

Well I hate to burst your bubble Mr. Tim, but UP's Big Boy steam engines were were quite a big sucess with the UP, just as the DDA40X was also. Bigger may not be better for every RR, however, both the Big Boy and DDA40X fit UP's style of railroading very well. UP liked to run large and long heavy trains (without helpers if possible) and the DDA40X provided the horsepower and tractive effort to do that.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by TARGUBRIGHT

You would think Union Pacific had learned from the Big Boy failure, "Bigger is not better". I am surprised the SD90mac's are not seeing some of these problems.
TIM A

Well I hate to burst your bubble Mr. Tim, but UP's Big Boy steam engines were were quite a big sucess with the UP, just as the DDA40X was also. Bigger may not be better for every RR, however, both the Big Boy and DDA40X fit UP's style of railroading very well. UP liked to run large and long heavy trains (without helpers if possible) and the DDA40X provided the horsepower and tractive effort to do that.

[dehusman]

A DD40x will make it around the dumper loop of a coal plant (won't fit through the rotary dumper, too tall and wide up high) and makes it through #10 crossovers just fine. Done both.

[dehusman]

A DD40x will make it around the dumper loop of a coal plant (won't fit through the rotary dumper, too tall and wide up high) and makes it through #10 crossovers just fine. Done both.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

Center of gravity is higher on steam locomotives. Also some long wheelbase steam locomotives had lateral motion devices on some of the drivers.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

Center of gravity is higher on steam locomotives. Also some long wheelbase steam locomotives had lateral motion devices on some of the drivers.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tree68

Many of the long-wheelbase steam locos had "blind drivers" - drivers with no flanges, specifically for that reason.

Yes, SOME did have blind drivers in the middle. But certainly not all long wheelbase locomotives had blind drivers. And they were in the MIDDLE, which means that the rigid wheelbase is still 20 feet or more for a ten coupled. If you look at the Duplex Drives that PRR and B&O had the wheelbase is huge. They look like articulated locomotives but were not. If the D truck is so much trouble how in the world did the Pennsy ever get a Q2 through a switch? The Q2 and T1 did not have blind drivers.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tree68

Many of the long-wheelbase steam locos had "blind drivers" - drivers with no flanges, specifically for that reason.

Yes, SOME did have blind drivers in the middle. But certainly not all long wheelbase locomotives had blind drivers. And they were in the MIDDLE, which means that the rigid wheelbase is still 20 feet or more for a ten coupled. If you look at the Duplex Drives that PRR and B&O had the wheelbase is huge. They look like articulated locomotives but were not. If the D truck is so much trouble how in the world did the Pennsy ever get a Q2 through a switch? The Q2 and T1 did not have blind drivers.

[mudchicken]

Pop quiz maybe not so good an option about now? Save the claws and teef for some smaller critter (sans beak & talons) that deserves the rath of mookie. I'd like to get thru Nebraska undamaged next week!

MC

[mudchicken]

Pop quiz maybe not so good an option about now? Save the claws and teef for some smaller critter (sans beak & talons) that deserves the rath of mookie. I'd like to get thru Nebraska undamaged next week!

MC

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mudchicken

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

QUOTE: Originally posted by mudchicken

Feather Duster - bet this would be really interesting if I had a clue what you just said!

Moo

[:D] Welcome to a mudchicken's world Ms. Mookie!

radius? - we don't need no stinkin' radius to railroad here!

Chord definition rules! The highway guyz can keep that darned arc definition!

Frog numbering is nothing more than a unit triangle, a way of determining the frog angle/deflection angle. (Ignore the hypoteneuse, the short side =1 and the long side = the frog size number)

I'll quit while I'm ahead. It was fun watching a cat's eyes glaze over though!

Close your books. Open mind! Pop quiz!

Dirty Bird[^]

You know, birds are very tasty. They taste like chicken! And you can use the feather ends to pick your teef!

[}:)] Moozie

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mudchicken

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

QUOTE: Originally posted by mudchicken

Feather Duster - bet this would be really interesting if I had a clue what you just said!

Moo

[:D] Welcome to a mudchicken's world Ms. Mookie!

radius? - we don't need no stinkin' radius to railroad here!

Chord definition rules! The highway guyz can keep that darned arc definition!

Frog numbering is nothing more than a unit triangle, a way of determining the frog angle/deflection angle. (Ignore the hypoteneuse, the short side =1 and the long side = the frog size number)

I'll quit while I'm ahead. It was fun watching a cat's eyes glaze over though!

Close your books. Open mind! Pop quiz!

Dirty Bird[^]

You know, birds are very tasty. They taste like chicken! And you can use the feather ends to pick your teef!

[}:)] Moozie

[mudchicken]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

QUOTE: Originally posted by mudchicken

Feather Duster - bet this would be really interesting if I had a clue what you just said!

Moo

[:D] Welcome to a mudchicken's world Ms. Mookie!

radius? - we don't need no stinkin' radius to railroad here!

Chord definition rules! The highway guyz can keep that darned arc definition!

Frog numbering is nothing more than a unit triangle, a way of determining the frog angle/deflection angle. (Ignore the hypoteneuse, the short side =1 and the long side = the frog size number)

I'll quit while I'm ahead. It was fun watching a cat's eyes glaze over though!

Close your books. Open mind! Pop quiz!

Dirty Bird[^]

[mudchicken]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Mookie

QUOTE: Originally posted by mudchicken

Feather Duster - bet this would be really interesting if I had a clue what you just said!

Moo

[:D] Welcome to a mudchicken's world Ms. Mookie!

radius? - we don't need no stinkin' radius to railroad here!

Chord definition rules! The highway guyz can keep that darned arc definition!

Frog numbering is nothing more than a unit triangle, a way of determining the frog angle/deflection angle. (Ignore the hypoteneuse, the short side =1 and the long side = the frog size number)

I'll quit while I'm ahead. It was fun watching a cat's eyes glaze over though!

Close your books. Open mind! Pop quiz!

Dirty Bird[^]

[wcaudle]

These bad boys used to rumble past my house as the were entering and leaving the Hinkle yard in Eastern Oregon. They would hit a certain speed and the house would shake. BUT!!! what an awesome sight they were, especially running through the Blue Mountains. There would be 2 on the front and possibly 1 in the middle, with 3 or 4 SD40-2's on the rear. Uncle Pete has always had the thirst for big trains and heavy HP>

[wcaudle]

These bad boys used to rumble past my house as the were entering and leaving the Hinkle yard in Eastern Oregon. They would hit a certain speed and the house would shake. BUT!!! what an awesome sight they were, especially running through the Blue Mountains. There would be 2 on the front and possibly 1 in the middle, with 3 or 4 SD40-2's on the rear. Uncle Pete has always had the thirst for big trains and heavy HP>

[mudchicken]

About 18 feet shorter, two fewer axles and 58 tons lighter.

Mudchicken

[mudchicken]

About 18 feet shorter, two fewer axles and 58 tons lighter.

Mudchicken

[Anonymous]

How smaller are SD90Macs compared to DD40-s?

[Anonymous]

How smaller are SD90Macs compared to DD40-s?

[Anonymous]

You would think Union Pacific had learned from the Big Boy failure, "Bigger is not better". I am surprised the SD90mac's are not seeing some of these problems.
TIM A

[Anonymous]

You would think Union Pacific had learned from the Big Boy failure, "Bigger is not better". I am surprised the SD90mac's are not seeing some of these problems.
TIM A

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by vsmith

There is a DD40 on display at the L.A. County Fairgrounds in Pomona, Ca.,

That's where that picture was taken.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by vsmith

There is a DD40 on display at the L.A. County Fairgrounds in Pomona, Ca.,

That's where that picture was taken.

[vsmith]

There is a DD40 on display at the L.A. County Fairgrounds in Pomona, Ca., along with 4-8-8-4 Big Boy, a UP 4-12-2 (I think its a 4-12-2), a SF 4-6-2, and a ex-colorado 2-8-0 three-footer along with the ex-City of Arcadia passenger station that the termites somehow missed. Maybe some other stuff, havent been there for a while.

[vsmith]

There is a DD40 on display at the L.A. County Fairgrounds in Pomona, Ca., along with 4-8-8-4 Big Boy, a UP 4-12-2 (I think its a 4-12-2), a SF 4-6-2, and a ex-colorado 2-8-0 three-footer along with the ex-City of Arcadia passenger station that the termites somehow missed. Maybe some other stuff, havent been there for a while.

[Anonymous]

Come on Mook , your brain is disengaged again. YOU JUST FLUNKED YOUR QUIZ . YOU'RE GROUNDED FOR 24HRS.. LMAO

[Anonymous]

Come on Mook , your brain is disengaged again. YOU JUST FLUNKED YOUR QUIZ . YOU'RE GROUNDED FOR 24HRS.. LMAO

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mudchicken

Reading Coal:

Tree68 is right, the steam engines bad blind drivers and the inside diesel axles on the D truck do not. There is only so much lateral motion allowed on the D-Truck with an axle. It's the length of the truck as opposed to the length of the unit that is an issue here. (DD40AX's had a huge coupler swing)...The yards in San Bdno ("A" yard/depot and "B" yard)were all #8 and #6-1/2 turnouts (9 degree 31 minutes or sharper), suspect that those rascal would not turn well on any curve over 6 degrees.

Hardly an urban myth. Any roadmaster worth his salt would be concerned to see something that big (248 tons)wandering around in the light duty backtracks...the same goes for the bigger steam engines. Amtrak and Santa Fe guys had trouble with new GE dash-8 locos with restricted coupler swing straight out of the factory (not worn and not lubricated)...they tore up a healthy number of 6-1/2 turnouts in yards system wide until they got worn in and lubricated. Usually they "rolled over" the outside curved rail between the switch points and the frog, yanking spikes right out of good ties.....the lateral force on the rail just would get beyond what the spike and tie could be expected to hold.

-mudchicken

Feather Duster - bet this would be really interesting if I had a clue what you just said!

Moo

[Mookie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mudchicken

Reading Coal:

Tree68 is right, the steam engines bad blind drivers and the inside diesel axles on the D truck do not. There is only so much lateral motion allowed on the D-Truck with an axle. It's the length of the truck as opposed to the length of the unit that is an issue here. (DD40AX's had a huge coupler swing)...The yards in San Bdno ("A" yard/depot and "B" yard)were all #8 and #6-1/2 turnouts (9 degree 31 minutes or sharper), suspect that those rascal would not turn well on any curve over 6 degrees.

Hardly an urban myth. Any roadmaster worth his salt would be concerned to see something that big (248 tons)wandering around in the light duty backtracks...the same goes for the bigger steam engines. Amtrak and Santa Fe guys had trouble with new GE dash-8 locos with restricted coupler swing straight out of the factory (not worn and not lubricated)...they tore up a healthy number of 6-1/2 turnouts in yards system wide until they got worn in and lubricated. Usually they "rolled over" the outside curved rail between the switch points and the frog, yanking spikes right out of good ties.....the lateral force on the rail just would get beyond what the spike and tie could be expected to hold.

-mudchicken

Feather Duster - bet this would be really interesting if I had a clue what you just said!

Moo

[mudchicken]

Reading Coal:

Tree68 is right, the steam engines bad blind drivers and the inside diesel axles on the D truck do not. There is only so much lateral motion allowed on the D-Truck with an axle. It's the length of the truck as opposed to the length of the unit that is an issue here. (DD40AX's had a huge coupler swing)...The yards in San Bdno ("A" yard/depot and "B" yard)were all #8 and #6-1/2 turnouts (9 degree 31 minutes or sharper), suspect that those rascal would not turn well on any curve over 6 degrees.

Hardly an urban myth. Any roadmaster worth his salt would be concerned to see something that big (248 tons)wandering around in the light duty backtracks...the same goes for the bigger steam engines. Amtrak and Santa Fe guys had trouble with new GE dash-8 locos with restricted coupler swing straight out of the factory (not worn and not lubricated)...they tore up a healthy number of 6-1/2 turnouts in yards system wide until they got worn in and lubricated. Usually they "rolled over" the outside curved rail between the switch points and the frog, yanking spikes right out of good ties.....the lateral force on the rail just would get beyond what the spike and tie could be expected to hold.

-mudchicken

[mudchicken]

Reading Coal:

Tree68 is right, the steam engines bad blind drivers and the inside diesel axles on the D truck do not. There is only so much lateral motion allowed on the D-Truck with an axle. It's the length of the truck as opposed to the length of the unit that is an issue here. (DD40AX's had a huge coupler swing)...The yards in San Bdno ("A" yard/depot and "B" yard)were all #8 and #6-1/2 turnouts (9 degree 31 minutes or sharper), suspect that those rascal would not turn well on any curve over 6 degrees.

Hardly an urban myth. Any roadmaster worth his salt would be concerned to see something that big (248 tons)wandering around in the light duty backtracks...the same goes for the bigger steam engines. Amtrak and Santa Fe guys had trouble with new GE dash-8 locos with restricted coupler swing straight out of the factory (not worn and not lubricated)...they tore up a healthy number of 6-1/2 turnouts in yards system wide until they got worn in and lubricated. Usually they "rolled over" the outside curved rail between the switch points and the frog, yanking spikes right out of good ties.....the lateral force on the rail just would get beyond what the spike and tie could be expected to hold.

-mudchicken

[tree68]

Many of the long-wheelbase steam locos had "blind drivers" - drivers with no flanges, specifically for that reason.

[tree68]

Many of the long-wheelbase steam locos had "blind drivers" - drivers with no flanges, specifically for that reason.

[Anonymous]

I was told that by an old timer that I worked with who came to Roseville from a yard in L.A.

[Anonymous]

I was told that by an old timer that I worked with who came to Roseville from a yard in L.A.

[Anonymous]

Why would there be so much trouble with the 4 axle trucks? The rigid wheelbase is comparable to a small 0-6-0 which had no trouble with any switches outside of trolley tracks. If the Santa Fe had trouble with the DD trucks how did they ever manage with the eight coupled wheelbase of the 4-8-4's, or worse yet the 2-10-2's I think that this issue is one of those "urban myths".

[Anonymous]

Why would there be so much trouble with the 4 axle trucks? The rigid wheelbase is comparable to a small 0-6-0 which had no trouble with any switches outside of trolley tracks. If the Santa Fe had trouble with the DD trucks how did they ever manage with the eight coupled wheelbase of the 4-8-4's, or worse yet the 2-10-2's I think that this issue is one of those "urban myths".

[Anonymous]

I know someone out there does! You just have to wait for some time.

[Anonymous]

I know someone out there does! You just have to wait for some time.

[Anonymous]

I honestly don't know Alex

[Anonymous]

I honestly don't know Alex

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by drailed1999

The DD40AX was also known as the 6600HP track straightener. The Santa Fe banned them from their San Bernadino yard cause it straightened out all the switches it went thru.

I figured... it's so long. What was the max curve(degrees) it could negotiate?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by drailed1999

The DD40AX was also known as the 6600HP track straightener. The Santa Fe banned them from their San Bernadino yard cause it straightened out all the switches it went thru.

I figured... it's so long. What was the max curve(degrees) it could negotiate?

[Anonymous]

The DD40AX was also known as the 6600HP track straightener. The Santa Fe banned them from their San Bernadino yard cause it straightened out all the switches it went thru.

[Anonymous]

The DD40AX was also known as the 6600HP track straightener. The Santa Fe banned them from their San Bernadino yard cause it straightened out all the switches it went thru.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jhhtrainsplanes

Salutations, Alex lol still trying to play forum tag. [8D] [:D] [:p]

Jim, on your time zone question:
We are like 4 hours behind East coast. So if its 6:00am in D.C, its 2:00 am in Anchorage.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jhhtrainsplanes

Salutations, Alex lol still trying to play forum tag. [8D] [:D] [:p]

Jim, on your time zone question:
We are like 4 hours behind East coast. So if its 6:00am in D.C, its 2:00 am in Anchorage.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by eolafan

QUOTE: Originally posted by drailed1999

The main problem the UP found with their DD35's & DD40AX's was their frames were cracking in the center. Thats why they had such a short life span.

These monsters lasted in service from 1969 until the mid 1980's, and I have seen other models that did not last that long, so why are we condemming this model for it's so called short life span? I don't think it was terribly and abnormally short at all for a primarily mainline high speed loco. Jim

He's right....
From what i understood, these locos were used a lot, and for big locos you need more maintenance, which costs more. plus the newer units like SD40-2 were more cost and fuel efficient. Just don't scrap them. One guy here bought a GP40 loco for
$3,021 and used it for his bed and breakfast. Smart idea....
We still have a power car that was made in early 50's, althogh it was rebult like 10 yrs ago.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by eolafan

QUOTE: Originally posted by drailed1999

The main problem the UP found with their DD35's & DD40AX's was their frames were cracking in the center. Thats why they had such a short life span.

These monsters lasted in service from 1969 until the mid 1980's, and I have seen other models that did not last that long, so why are we condemming this model for it's so called short life span? I don't think it was terribly and abnormally short at all for a primarily mainline high speed loco. Jim

He's right....
From what i understood, these locos were used a lot, and for big locos you need more maintenance, which costs more. plus the newer units like SD40-2 were more cost and fuel efficient. Just don't scrap them. One guy here bought a GP40 loco for
$3,021 and used it for his bed and breakfast. Smart idea....
We still have a power car that was made in early 50's, althogh it was rebult like 10 yrs ago.

[mudchicken]

eloa:

Don't get me wrong, but there were issues. I loved to see the things run, but:

(1) they weren't running constantly, they were laid up good order (LUGO) for long periods of time between use.

(2) they created chaos when off the main line, the weight and the hard turning "D" trucks were trouble for light weight switches in the yards, even the beefed up leads at Cheyenne & North Platte....

[mudchicken]

eloa:

Don't get me wrong, but there were issues. I loved to see the things run, but:

(1) they weren't running constantly, they were laid up good order (LUGO) for long periods of time between use.

(2) they created chaos when off the main line, the weight and the hard turning "D" trucks were trouble for light weight switches in the yards, even the beefed up leads at Cheyenne & North Platte....

[eolafan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by drailed1999

The main problem the UP found with their DD35's & DD40AX's was their frames were cracking in the center. Thats why they had such a short life span.

These monsters lasted in service from 1969 until the mid 1980's, and I have seen other models that did not last that long, so why are we condemming this model for it's so called short life span? I don't think it was terribly and abnormally short at all for a primarily mainline high speed loco. Jim

[eolafan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by drailed1999

The main problem the UP found with their DD35's & DD40AX's was their frames were cracking in the center. Thats why they had such a short life span.

These monsters lasted in service from 1969 until the mid 1980's, and I have seen other models that did not last that long, so why are we condemming this model for it's so called short life span? I don't think it was terribly and abnormally short at all for a primarily mainline high speed loco. Jim

[Anonymous]

Actually the DDA40X was rated at 6600 hp, coming from 2 645E3A diesels rated at 3300 hp each.

[Anonymous]

Actually the DDA40X was rated at 6600 hp, coming from 2 645E3A diesels rated at 3300 hp each.

[dharmon]

Was this due to the weight of the double sized fuel tank or fatigue from overuse?

[dharmon]

Was this due to the weight of the double sized fuel tank or fatigue from overuse?

[Anonymous]

The main problem the UP found with their DD35's & DD40AX's was their frames were cracking in the center. Thats why they had such a short life span.

[Anonymous]

The main problem the UP found with their DD35's & DD40AX's was their frames were cracking in the center. Thats why they had such a short life span.

[dknelson]

Railroads and manufacturers have gone back and forth about how much HP should be in a single unit. Fairbanks Morse used to offer their C Liner with a variety of HP for example/
There are obvious advantages to having one huge locomotive with tons of HP on the other hand one slight mechanical or safety appliance failure and you have parked all that HP -- whereas with multiple units you just take out the one that needs the work and the rest are good to go. The DD40 and other monster engines probably had a normal failure rate but again, if one handrail is bent beyond safety tolerances then it is like parking two or even three units at once. So the railroads seems to turn away from the concept. The latest trend seems to be to return to high HP in a single unit -- the CP runs long trains with just one locomotive. But if it fails, you have no back up and no way to move. I suspect the railroads will continue to bounce back and forth on this.
Dave Nelson

[dknelson]

Railroads and manufacturers have gone back and forth about how much HP should be in a single unit. Fairbanks Morse used to offer their C Liner with a variety of HP for example/
There are obvious advantages to having one huge locomotive with tons of HP on the other hand one slight mechanical or safety appliance failure and you have parked all that HP -- whereas with multiple units you just take out the one that needs the work and the rest are good to go. The DD40 and other monster engines probably had a normal failure rate but again, if one handrail is bent beyond safety tolerances then it is like parking two or even three units at once. So the railroads seems to turn away from the concept. The latest trend seems to be to return to high HP in a single unit -- the CP runs long trains with just one locomotive. But if it fails, you have no back up and no way to move. I suspect the railroads will continue to bounce back and forth on this.
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

If you had seen them in action you would know that the DDA40X's were not a failure. UP kept them moving on high priority, high speed trains. They simply got worn out and it was less expensive to replace than repair. When you are able to get nearly 1000 miles a day out of your locomotives (like UP with the Centennials, and NYC with the Niagaras) it only takes 3 years to reach 1,000,000 miles. Of course there are inspections, class repairs and the like which reduce the average milage per day. But when a class of locomotives is kept in high milage service they don't last as many years as a lower milage locomotive. And since the DDA40X's were lousy yard switchers, couldn't handle the dock tracks in LA or industrial tracks in the cities, and were too heavy for many branches, the UP kept them busy on the service for which they were designed.

[Anonymous]

If you had seen them in action you would know that the DDA40X's were not a failure. UP kept them moving on high priority, high speed trains. They simply got worn out and it was less expensive to replace than repair. When you are able to get nearly 1000 miles a day out of your locomotives (like UP with the Centennials, and NYC with the Niagaras) it only takes 3 years to reach 1,000,000 miles. Of course there are inspections, class repairs and the like which reduce the average milage per day. But when a class of locomotives is kept in high milage service they don't last as many years as a lower milage locomotive. And since the DDA40X's were lousy yard switchers, couldn't handle the dock tracks in LA or industrial tracks in the cities, and were too heavy for many branches, the UP kept them busy on the service for which they were designed.

[Anonymous]

From what I understand the DD40X was some what of a failure,( twice the power, twice the failures). They drank alot of fuel and something was alway's broke on them. Probably why they never lasted very long.
TIM A

[Anonymous]

From what I understand the DD40X was some what of a failure,( twice the power, twice the failures). They drank alot of fuel and something was alway's broke on them. Probably why they never lasted very long.
TIM A

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

All of the Big 3 diesel builders sold these monsters to UP and SP.
EMD had the DD35A, DD35B and DDA40X, all sold to UP except 3 DD35B to SP.
GE had the U50 and U50C, all sold to UP except 3 U50 to SP.
Alco had the C855 (2 built) and the C855B (1 built), all to UP
The U50 and the C855 had 2 4-wheel trucks linked by a span bolster on each end. The U50C rode on 6-wheel trucks and had 2 FDL-12 engines inside.
All of the EMD models rode on huge 8-wheel trucks. These trucks were also found on meter-gauge DD45M's exported to Brazil (Envision a narrow-gauge SD45)

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

All of the Big 3 diesel builders sold these monsters to UP and SP.
EMD had the DD35A, DD35B and DDA40X, all sold to UP except 3 DD35B to SP.
GE had the U50 and U50C, all sold to UP except 3 U50 to SP.
Alco had the C855 (2 built) and the C855B (1 built), all to UP
The U50 and the C855 had 2 4-wheel trucks linked by a span bolster on each end. The U50C rode on 6-wheel trucks and had 2 FDL-12 engines inside.
All of the EMD models rode on huge 8-wheel trucks. These trucks were also found on meter-gauge DD45M's exported to Brazil (Envision a narrow-gauge SD45)

[eolafan]

These units are real monsters and you really can't appreciate them until you see one "in the flesh" so to speak. In my area the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, IL has one on display, wow! The UP is the only road which owned this particular model (builit in 1969, the 100th anniversary of the golden spike ceremony). The SP had some DD30 units (both A and B versions, which were essentially two GP30...or were they GP35's?...under one hood). Also, ALCO built some double engined units for SP and I think UP as well....they were really a joy to watch, and still are exciting looking even when not running! Jim

[eolafan]

These units are real monsters and you really can't appreciate them until you see one "in the flesh" so to speak. In my area the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, IL has one on display, wow! The UP is the only road which owned this particular model (builit in 1969, the 100th anniversary of the golden spike ceremony). The SP had some DD30 units (both A and B versions, which were essentially two GP30...or were they GP35's?...under one hood). Also, ALCO built some double engined units for SP and I think UP as well....they were really a joy to watch, and still are exciting looking even when not running! Jim

[dknelson]

There are some preserved "centennials." the DD40 was similar in size to the DD35 which I think the Southern Pacific also owned.
Dave Nelson

[dknelson]

There are some preserved "centennials." the DD40 was similar in size to the DD35 which I think the Southern Pacific also owned.
Dave Nelson

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by barbarosa

http://www.utahrails.net/webpubs/up-dda40x.htm This link will take you to a lot of info on the DDA40X Centennials.Enjoy,Don

Thanks for the link. Jim, i'm waiting for the photos. Can't catch you[:p]
I'm glad to know that 6936 wasn't scrapped after that accident- you guys know how i feel about scrapping last-of-a-kind locos.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by barbarosa

http://www.utahrails.net/webpubs/up-dda40x.htm This link will take you to a lot of info on the DDA40X Centennials.Enjoy,Don

Thanks for the link. Jim, i'm waiting for the photos. Can't catch you[:p]
I'm glad to know that 6936 wasn't scrapped after that accident- you guys know how i feel about scrapping last-of-a-kind locos.

[Anonymous]

Salutations, Alex lol still trying to play forum tag. [8D] [:D] [:p]

[Anonymous]

Salutations, Alex lol still trying to play forum tag. [8D] [:D] [:p]

[Anonymous]

http://www.utahrails.net/webpubs/up-dda40x.htm This link will take you to a lot of info on the DDA40X Centennials.Enjoy,Don

[Anonymous]

http://www.utahrails.net/webpubs/up-dda40x.htm This link will take you to a lot of info on the DDA40X Centennials.Enjoy,Don

[Anonymous]

Alex, expect more pics soon. [:)] Now about the DD40X. The only one still in use is the one under Steve Lee's control. He is the head guy over the UP Steam Program. I have a video of me talking to him when he was in North Little Rock. Also have shots of the DD40X and the 3985 on it. I will make you a copy of it if you like. It was shot by one of my neighbors back in 1992 or so. He sometimes takes crazy shots but still it is interesting to me because the video was made here. I will head down and shoot some pics of the DD40X and email you some of those.

Your humble servant,
Jim

[Anonymous]

Alex, expect more pics soon. [:)] Now about the DD40X. The only one still in use is the one under Steve Lee's control. He is the head guy over the UP Steam Program. I have a video of me talking to him when he was in North Little Rock. Also have shots of the DD40X and the 3985 on it. I will make you a copy of it if you like. It was shot by one of my neighbors back in 1992 or so. He sometimes takes crazy shots but still it is interesting to me because the video was made here. I will head down and shoot some pics of the DD40X and email you some of those.

Your humble servant,
Jim

[Anonymous]

I've heard some things about those giant locomotives.
Are they still out there on the rails? Is UP the only company that owns them?
If you have any facts about DD40X's that would be nice.
So far i know that they are like two locos combined into one, 8-axles providing 6000 hp. If you are not sure what i'm talking about, check out this picture from railpictures.com
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=32884

Thanks,