Caught this at Highland, north of Longmont today. First train I've chased out of town in a long time!!! Caught in town first, after they apparently picked a large string of empty cars, mainly centerbeams. Was a nice change of pace for once! Closed camera, so I caught it just a tad late!! Overall, not bad from a cell phone camera.
Second time, in as many days! This time, about a mile north of Highland, at the north end of Longmont Siding.
No. Seeing quite a few loaded cars recently. Headed up to 5-6 lumberyards north of Broomfield, on what used to be the C&S main. Thinking much of it is going to be for the rebuilding of homes in the Louisville/Superior area, after the major fire back at the end of Dec last year.
Got lucky again today! Watched them finish dropping/sorting/picking up cars down south. Then waited about a good 15 minutes or so, for them to eventually pass by my waiting spot towards the north end of town. Was right across the street from a Baptist church, and between Moutain View and 17th Aves. Close to where my sister lives. Found the "ping" in the rails interesting, after the last car passed me.
As I understand, the railroad does NOT bother with flat spots UNDER 2 inches. Anything more, then wheels need to be either turned, or replaced. My understanding, I could be wrong!
Wow. Considering all of the flat spots out there, hammering rails one after another, no wonder there are derailments constantly in the news. Apparently cleanup, repair, shipper/customer delivery delays and public safety are somehow less costly than changing out one axle on a car. Some interesting money math is being applied out there.