Eastern Railroad Discussion > Unusual Load

Caught this interesting load passing through on an EB CN freight in Michigan this afternoon.
Wonder what the back story is?

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Cool images. It would be fun to know the story about this move.

JS

melloj Wrote:
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> Cool images. It would be fun to know the story
> about this move.
>
> JS
It's certainly not the typical "piggyback" load!!😀

Looks like one of the cars that was involved in a derailment at Otto, IL(just south of Kankakee on the ex-IC) several weeks ago. Two tanks were recently loaded on flats there and left within the last few days.

CN_Hogger

In my area this is called a 'load up'. it is a rail car that is deemed worth repairing after a derailment or worse a wreck. Note that the trucks of the car are located over the ends of the flatcar since the trucks are usually the most concentrated heavy/dense part of a rail car(usually 25% of the tare weight or more). Also note if have not already that all trucks are stenciled with the rail car marks and numbers. This helps in matching trucks with the car, and which ends they should be on. Or even if they may be the cause of the derailment. Almost all rail cars with their trucks do not exceed the LD LMT of long 70 ton flatcars. Tank cars are special because they have to go to rail car shops that specialize in tank cars and the commodities they handle.

The aftermath of a train wreck sort of goes like this; and depending on the severity, some functions may happen simultaneously and not in this order depending on circumstances. Determine location. Find out if anyone is injured or worse. Determine if Hazmats are involved. Notify police/first responders, but in minor cases may not be necessary. Call RR officials. If Hazmats are involved either wait for product to burn out or try to put it out. This totally depends on commodity and severity. All First Responders should have up to date DOT and TPC Emergency Response Guidebook. Only trained experts can deal with this. When possible transfer commodities in loaded cars to usually trucks for rail car re-load or to reach destination. Railroad claim experts and other personnel will be on scene to determine the remaining value of each car. some lower rated or impossible to clean up commodities, as well as badly damage cars will just be shoved to the side of the railroad, because now the most important thing is to re-open the railroad, especially if it is a main line. The companies that handle derailments like Hulcher and R J Corman and others are paid well for what they do.

Some cars may be scrapped on site, often weeks or months later if the area is remote or weather was very cold. Some can be re railed with their proper trucks and sent to the nearest RR RIP track. Your fine pictures show the middle case.... a car deemed worth saving but requires specialized attention. Railroads have been doing this for years. Hope that helps if you are new to the interest.