Western Railroad Discussion > After the Amtrak Special on the Cima Sub...

Caught this MSCWC...at MP 312 on the Cima sub...this was a "key" train...whatever that is...first train west after the Amtrak special

http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?4,1700655

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NIce shot Mike, and delicious light too.
—Mac

NscaleMike Wrote:
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> Caught this MSCWC...at MP 312 on the Cima
> sub...this was a "key" train...whatever that
> is...first train west after the Amtrak special
>
> http://www.trainorders.com/discussion/read.php?4,1
> 700655

Nice shot as usual, Mike. A "Key train" is a train with 20 or more hazardous cars. I don't have my Special Instructions handy, but there are numerous restrictions involved with Key trains. If there's a meet, the Key train is supposed to hold the main and is not for any reason allowed to go into a siding that is below a certain speed (IIRC, it's 15 MPH), the train is also restricted to 50 MPH. Even if it's a double stack and there are 20 or more of those small hazardous tanks, then it's a Key train.-BMT

"key" train

Identifier that it has many cars that could go boom and/or cause inhalation/suffocation hazards if derailed and comprimised. A Federal term. Also restrictions on speeds through sidings and turnouts along with other special handling instructions.

It's certain types of hazardous shipments, not necessarily a certain number (although that is also a factor) in determining key trains.

UPNW2-1083 Wrote:
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> If there's a meet, the Key train
> is supposed to hold the main and
> is not for any reason allowed to go into a
> siding that is below a certain speed (IIRC, it's
> 15 MPH), the train is also restricted to 50 MPH.


Are Key trains not allowed on certain routes, as well? On the Altamont Pass route, there is a tunnel with uneven track, where trains have to slow down to about 10MPH. Lots of trains are presently using this route as a detour around track construction on the Cal-P. Given the tunnel's condition, would key trains still be allowed on this route?