Passenger Trains > Cardinal: PO51 (22) Fuel Problems IND

Well the fun contunies along the route of the Cardinal/Hoosier State.  But at least it is not the Hoosier State this cold fine morning.   PO51, "The Cardinal"  is having a "Fuel Problem" at the Depot in IND.  I guess you could say that means low or out of fuel.  A fuel truck is on the way!!!!

Update: This does affect the IPH equipment, it deadheads on the rear to CHI this am for #850 tonight. A significant delay could cause a late equipment turn..



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/23/15 04:44 by EDog535.

Couldn't one of the IHP locos give it a little push ?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/23/15 06:17 by joemvcnj.

I think I can, I think I can ....

Train 58 is also in a disruption state.

joemvcnj Wrote:
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> Couldn't one of the IHP locos give it a little
> push ?

Amtrak has forbidden them to push - lest their train be rescued by "the competition".

Probably would result in further inspections by Amtrak as to why the IPH locomotive worked as intended...

Posted from Android

UPDATE: The locomotive CSXT 6105 is to rescue PO51 (22).  It has been released from the Hawthorne Yard and is enroute to Indianapolis Union Station.  However, the CSXT Q 644 Avon to LAF local turn is out running and switching cars.  That may cause additional dalays, if the Cardinal ever departs IND. 

UPDATE #2:  Now will be the CSXT 6503 to haul P051...  And J727 has now been let out in front of this dh equipment move.  An Amtrak recrew is on duty to take over, original crew was short on time..  A real mess, I tell you!



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 11/23/15 08:18 by EDog535.

EDog535 Wrote:
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> UPDATE: The locomotive CSXT 6105 is to rescue PO51
> (22). 

So what was the fuel problem; if a rescue loco needed, doesn't
sound like the fuel truck was the answer.

The weather has been extremely cold along the Cardinal route.  I wonder if that had anything to do with the problem?

No colder than in year's past. VIA seems to run it's trains in much colder temps without issues. Every been to Winnipeg or Halifax in Winter? 

andersonb109 Wrote:
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> No colder than in year's past. VIA seems to run
> it's trains in much colder temps without issues.
> Every been to Winnipeg or Halifax in Winter? 

The Cardinal doesn't go to Halifax.  And Via doesn't run the Cardinal.

Weather should not have been a factor, as this trainset and locomotive has been in balmy Washington DC.  It's also above freezing in Indiana today.  Crud in the tank or as originally supposed, possibly fuel starvation?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/23/15 09:30 by NewRiverGeorge.

I think it used to be when an engine had 1000 gallons or less in the tank it had to be noted on the work report and called in to the mechanical desk or some type of desk?  Supposedly low fuel in the tank the better chances of gunk sloshing around from the bottom of the tank.  Wonder if that is what is going on.

Whatever the problem is or was, they need to be underway pretty soon since Amtrak is still selling tickets for tonight's Hoosier State from Chicago.

Trac a train showed 'em chugging along for a bit, then stopped for several more hours. Passengers mostly bussed out of Indy although there may have still been some hardy souls on board.  One of them was put off with a broken arm later in the evening..



Edited 4 time(s). Last edit at 11/24/15 07:14 by NewRiverGeorge.

Update: PO51 is stuck just outside of crawfordsville. CSX MOW crew just cut the live rail at the main st crossing.

There will be no IPH equipment in Chicago to run an on time Hoosier State tonight.

Posted from iPhone

As of now (3:30pm|CT) Amtrak shows a delayed departure planned for this evening's Hoosier State at 7:15pm. Maybe IP should throw on a 6-6-4 sleeper from the CONl pool (lol).

Out of LAF finally at 4 PM. Headed to the MTFS (Monon Temporary Fueling Station). Gotta give IPH an E for Effort.  They turned as quick as they could and got 318 out last night.  317 is also running Tuesday morning, which Amtrak would normally have cancelled at the drop of a hat.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/24/15 07:15 by NewRiverGeorge.

Monon Update: As the saga continues, An Amtrak road Forman has shown up with a fuel truck at Monon, In for the poor Red Bird. Better 12 hours late than never. They were down to under 300 gal at CRF.

To make things worse the Monon fire and EMS units were requested to meet the train to transport a injured passenger with a broken arm to the hospital. How many never again passengers on this trip?

At this rate If the Iowa Pacific equipment gets to Chicago my midnight they will be lucky.

Amtrak could not have picked a better week in the year to allow an improperly fueled locomotive out on the road.

Posted from iPhone



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/23/15 15:50 by EDog535.

Per a local railfan friend who was an eyewitness to this fiasco, the northbound Cardinal departed Dyer @710pm, with the CSX engine leading and the Iowa Pacific equipment bringing up the rear. 

andersonb109 Wrote:
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> No colder than in year's past. VIA seems to run
> it's trains in much colder temps without issues.
> Every been to Winnipeg or Halifax in Winter? 

They also have fuel heaters to prevent gelling of the diesel.