Western Railroad Discussion > Simple Assignment that Turns Out Not So Simple

A relief crew from Dilworth, MN has been called in Mandan to go to Jamestown (MP 93.7) and take a BNSF rail crane to Dilworth. Upon arrival in Jamestown, the crew discovered there was no power. The conductor checks an engine locator app on his iPad and finds there are two locomotives at Peavy West Elevator, just west of Jamestown. Calls to whoever gets permission to take one of the units for the crane train. With revised GTB's, the crew proceeds to Peavy West. The outward unit was west-facing while the inward unit was east-facing.

The crew decided they could switch and couple the west-facing unit to an adjacent siding without throwing the bonded derail ahead. After that, they uncoupled the 8204 from the other string of grain cars and waited for authority to enter main no. 1. The rest of the story is chronicled below. Thanks for looking and wishing all a Happy, Blessed and Safe Thanksgiving.

Bismarck Bill

1. The crew moves the 5182 without having to drop the bonded derail
2. After toning-up the DS for authority to enter main 1, the crew was informed they would have to wait for 1 westbound which turned out to be international stacks
3. With authority granted, the conductor throws the mainline switch.
more.......



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/25/20 14:37 by bmarti7.

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4. The 8204 enters main 1. After restoring the derail and mainline switch, the crew will head east to Jamestown.
5. The conductor tugs on the locomotive coupler as the crane is parked on a slight curve. The trainmaster looks on.
6. The joint is made
one more.....

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7. With the fred tested, the airtest begins as the conductor (out of sight) and trainmaster check for the cylinders in set position. With the air test completed, the 8204 is ready to proceed east. However they will have to wait another 45 minutes as MOW has track and time at Bloom (MP 94.7)

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Nice chronicle and shots to go with it.  RRing always is a game of switching solutions for sure.
Brian Stevens

So much for PSR. Just another day on a work extra.
JB

And give thanks that it wasn't snowing.

Out 

Nice story Bill! Have a Blessed Thanksgiving 😊

Posted from iPhone

Thanks. Can you please explain what a bonded derail is? I know derail, but what's "bonded" in this contaxt?

symph1 Wrote:
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> Thanks. Can you please explain what a bonded
> derail is? I know derail, but what's "bonded" in
> this contaxt?
It is wired to show indication to DS when taken down - I believe it requires DS permission just the same as authority to throw the mainline switch. When derail is thrown after authority to enter the mainline is given, no additional permission  is needed. (corrrections welcome)

BB

SCKP187 Wrote:
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> Nice chronicle and shots to go with it.  RRing
> always is a game of switching solutions for sure.
> Brian Stevens

I'll second that! Have a Happy Thanksgiving Bill!

Larry



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/25/20 14:34 by Ritzville.

Did you happen to get a shot of the crane?

Dave

RSD5 Wrote:
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> Did you happen to get a shot of the crane?
>
> Dave

Sorry - the trainmaster's car was parked along side of the crane - impossible roster shot. Here's the wider shot of the joint which shows more crane.

BB

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bmarti7 Wrote:
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> 7. With the fred tested, the airtest begins as the
> conductor (out of sight) and trainmaster check for
> the cylinders in set position. With the air test
> completed, the 8204 is ready to proceed east.
> However they will have to wait another 45 minutes
> as MOW has track and time at Bloom (MP 94.7)

Why was a company officer performing service and is the first out extra board trainman going to time slip him for not being called as the brakeman? Also, did said trainmaster ty-up his FRA HOS report and take his 10 hrs? 🧐
I think we know the answer....🙄

Posted from iPhone