Passenger Trains > Northbound Autotrain 52-09

Today's northbound Auto Train is currently showing roughly 4 hours late,currently not due into Lorton until around 2.  Train currently (1018 Eastern) shows moving at ZERO MPH in Rocky Mount.  Pictures and reports posted elsewhere of the late train through Benson NC show lead engine 831 is shut down, silent and no exhaust, with trailing engine 835 doing all the work.  Radio chatter indicated that 835 has been doing all the heavy lifting since Georgia or Florida and as a result is running low on fuel  and would need to stop in Rocky Mount for fuel. - zero MPH at Rocky Mount for the last 20 minutes or so would seem to support the getting fueled story.  



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/10/24 07:20 by scraphauler.

Rocky Mount is not a normal fuel stop.  I can image Amtrak on the phone:  "Yea, we need at least 1000 gallons.  Can you get someone out there right away?"

Looks like they are aready on the move.  
 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/10/24 07:36 by Chessie1963.

The northbound train would usually take on fuel at Florence SC, so it didn't get very far if it needs fuel at Rocky Mount.  Maybe 170 miles or so?

Chessie1963 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Rocky Mount is not a normal fuel stop.  I can
> image Amtrak on the phone:  "Yea, we need at
> least 1000 gallons.  Can you get someone out
> there right away?"
>
> Looks like they are aready on the move.

Sadly, it happens. As does calling a private vendor in Browning, MT to pump out the waste in the Portland coaches and sleeper when the Portland maintenance crew forgot to do that! Been there done that on both fuel and the pump out! Running out of potable water is actually the most difficult due to the way it has to be loaded in........