choochooloco
Cyclops For Christmas
In early February, 2015, northwest Indiana was on the receiving end of Mother Nature's wrath. Lake effect snow fell off and on for several days. Chicago received a healthy dumping as well, creating havoc on the rails.
In addition to the snow, Mother Nature also turned down the temperatures and decided to whip up the winds. It was brutal!
Any railroader with some whiskers knows what to expect when faced these conditions. Switches get snowed in, brakes ice and freeze up, and motive power fails.
On this particular run out of Chicago, we unfortunately hit the trifecta. Each switch in the yard had to be swept almost every time before throwing due to the winds. Once we had the train solid, the air test took quite some time to complete as one car refused to release.
Finally, a few hours behind the carded departure time, we hit the mains and headed east. Just after crossing the Calumet River Bridge, the lead unit of our three unit set died. I limped the train down to Whiting and notified with the dispatcher.
After several attempts to restart this Dash 9 failed, I made a call to the mechanical desk on my phone. It was soon discovered that unit had developed a serious issue and needed to be shopped.
Not long after this determination, the Chief Dispatcher radioed and asked if we could get the train to Elkhart where a new leader would be added to the consist. This idea involved the prospect of traveling close to 90 miles, under blizzard conditions, with no heat.
Needless to say, this conversation was a short one as all involved agreed it was the safest course to get a new leader right where we stood. This was not possible, for we were not the only train with power problems.
While the Dearborn office brainstormed options, I went back to the second unit and gave it a once over to see if it was fit to lead. After determining the engine was fully equipped, and the heater worked, I pitched the idea to the dispatcher.
It did not take long to get a thumbs up from Dearborn. We set the failed unit out at Colehour, rearmed the marker, and headed east.
Now, I have to admit that my suggestion was two sided. It really was the best in terms of getting this late priority train moving again, a huge benefit for the railroad.
For me, it meant that a rare (on NS) Cyclops SD60M would now be the leader. Through all of years running trains, I never had one of these unique three windowed units be lead out.
My run on her was just under 90 miles, due to adding a cab signal equipped engine at Elkhart. I enjoyed my time behind the throttle, especially the distinctive view.
At Holmesville, we came to a halt for a maintainer to inspect power switches in Laporte. After taking a few photos, I took several minutes to enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest and falling snow. It was so calming and peaceful.
Speaking of peace, my hope for 2025 is a decrease in the level of chaos across the globe, and here in the states. It concerns me to see the direction the world is heading.
Merry Christmas my friends!
Cyclops For Christmas
In early February, 2015, northwest Indiana was on the receiving end of Mother Nature's wrath. Lake effect snow fell off and on for several days. Chicago received a healthy dumping as well, creating havoc on the rails.
In addition to the snow, Mother Nature also turned down the temperatures and decided to whip up the winds. It was brutal!
Any railroader with some whiskers knows what to expect when faced these conditions. Switches get snowed in, brakes ice and freeze up, and motive power fails.
On this particular run out of Chicago, we unfortunately hit the trifecta. Each switch in the yard had to be swept almost every time before throwing due to the winds. Once we had the train solid, the air test took quite some time to complete as one car refused to release.
Finally, a few hours behind the carded departure time, we hit the mains and headed east. Just after crossing the Calumet River Bridge, the lead unit of our three unit set died. I limped the train down to Whiting and notified with the dispatcher.
After several attempts to restart this Dash 9 failed, I made a call to the mechanical desk on my phone. It was soon discovered that unit had developed a serious issue and needed to be shopped.
Not long after this determination, the Chief Dispatcher radioed and asked if we could get the train to Elkhart where a new leader would be added to the consist. This idea involved the prospect of traveling close to 90 miles, under blizzard conditions, with no heat.
Needless to say, this conversation was a short one as all involved agreed it was the safest course to get a new leader right where we stood. This was not possible, for we were not the only train with power problems.
While the Dearborn office brainstormed options, I went back to the second unit and gave it a once over to see if it was fit to lead. After determining the engine was fully equipped, and the heater worked, I pitched the idea to the dispatcher.
It did not take long to get a thumbs up from Dearborn. We set the failed unit out at Colehour, rearmed the marker, and headed east.
Now, I have to admit that my suggestion was two sided. It really was the best in terms of getting this late priority train moving again, a huge benefit for the railroad.
For me, it meant that a rare (on NS) Cyclops SD60M would now be the leader. Through all of years running trains, I never had one of these unique three windowed units be lead out.
My run on her was just under 90 miles, due to adding a cab signal equipped engine at Elkhart. I enjoyed my time behind the throttle, especially the distinctive view.
At Holmesville, we came to a halt for a maintainer to inspect power switches in Laporte. After taking a few photos, I took several minutes to enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest and falling snow. It was so calming and peaceful.
Speaking of peace, my hope for 2025 is a decrease in the level of chaos across the globe, and here in the states. It concerns me to see the direction the world is heading.
Merry Christmas my friends!