Western Railroad Discussion > Eastbound above and at Clifside, Nevada

Date: September 23, 2024
Video duration: 5 Min 56 Sec
Note: 2 x 2 coal empties with Pilot Peak off in the distance

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Nice video!  Do you have any idea what the train count is on that sub?

texchief1

 

Nice video, thanks for posting!  I've been enjoying your work from my backyard. 

As for train counts, averages in the 5-7 trains per 24 hours range, regular trains are:

- 1 Amtrak both directions, normally nocturnal
- INPOA/IOANP
- Normally one Auto train each direction
- Average 1-3 grain or coal unit trains, depending on season
- BNSF trackage rights train, currently averaging around 3 trains a week in each direction 

There are a lot of variations that can affect train counts.  The INPOA/IOANP and Autos are combined into a single train more often than not, when run separately and sometimes when combined it is usually "filled out" with general mixed manifest traffic usually on the head end.  Westbound loaded grain and coal trains come across this sub, almost all grain and some empty coal go back east over the former SP line across the lake to the north.  I spend a decent amount of time at least within sight of this line in my job, there are some days I see nothing moving during daylight hours, there are other days like this past Thursday that at least three trains came west during daylight hours.  This line will likely see traffic declines as the Valmy power plant between Battle Mountain and Winnemucca is life cycling out by the end of next year and the TS Power plant near Dunphy is being retrofitted to burn either coal or gas, which will eliminate much of the coal traffic on the line in the coming months.  

Jeff Moore
Elko, NV   

Well done video. Thanks for sharing.

Jeff, along with the trains you already mentioned, there are also the followind "dailies" through Elko:

-ZLTG2/ZG2LT
-MRVNP/MNPRV (the westbound formerly ran as the MNPFR)
-MRVGR/MGRRV (which replaced the MRVOG/MOGRV)

There are a daily autos each way in the form of the AMICX and MROMI, though the latter also has manifest traffic on it east of Sparks, and sets out at both Sparks and Winnemucca, along with a pickup and setout at Elko. The AMICX stays autos-only from end to end.

Brody Wyrick
Reno, NV

You are correct Brody…but the question I was answering was specific to train counts on the former WP (Shafter Sub) east of Wells, the trains you mention all normally use the old SP line across the Great Salt Lake, hence they’re not on my list.

Jeff Moore
Elko, NV

Posted from iPhone

Ah, understood! My mistake, as I wasn't 100% on routings east of Elko, but figured I could toss in what I knew at least made it to Elko! ;)

Brody Wyrick
Reno, NV