I'm just a railfan who has thoroughly been enjoying the stories & expertise offered in this forum. I hope I have chosen the proper forum to pose this question... I recently purchased a handheld scanner and have been trying to pick up on some of the jargon that is used. I heard the dispatcher giving directions to a train, and if I heard correct, he used the term "Watch your 7-0-7's..." What does this mean, if I may ask? I know there are other terms I've heard that have intrigued me, but I can't think of them right now. Thanks in advance for any insight.
I'm assuming this is CSX?? I worked for a long while there. Hmm I really don't know much other than that maybe signal #'s through there. where wa this train going?? I only operated goin westard back over sand patch and cranberry on the West end and M&K subdivisions.
Hello T.K. - Yes...this was on CSX (sorry I forgot to include that helpful little tidbit ) I'm uncertain of the actual train designation number, but I know that the train was eastbound at Brunswick and the dispatcher was referring to when the train would go through Point of Rocks (i.e. "Watch your 7-0-7's through Rocks..." Like I said, I may have heard it wrong...maybe I was listening to an aviation frequency instead?
hmm I think it was for the interchange there where one line goes to DC ans the other into Cumberland/baltimore, etc. Still not sure, but I'm thinking.
Each rail line and even in different sections, have slang terms. For instance if you heard someone say:"Look, there's a Mark walking the gauge!" He is surprised to see an un-aware person (idiot, drunk, sucide) walking down the track in between the rails. A sure kill coming up!
All the different lingo is one of the best parts of this board. I assume it was "seven-oh-sevens" - I have no idea. There isn't an airport near there? great puzzle...
Hmmm....this discussion is making me more curious I think I may have to make a railfanning trip down to Point of Rocks to see if I can search out what these "seven-oh-sevens" are If it was an aviation frequency that I was listening to (it wasn't), I think I'd be worried if the air traffic controller were telling a pilot to "watch his seven-oh-sevens through Rocks..."
"Turn left heading 270, descend and maintain flight level 2-2-0, traffic 6 o'clock two miles level." Thats what you would have heard on an aircraft band. "707" isn't even used--it would be a "Boeing" at such and such. I have no idea what that meant in railroad radio jargon. Guess you may have to go investigate as you said. Any talking defect detectors have ID numbers?
Lefty, I suspect you heard the dispatch warning him to "watch for your meet with the 07:07 (o-clock) train." Like we would say the 10:15 to Dallas.
Oh I was just being facetious about being worried if the air traffic controller were telling a pilot to watch his seven-oh-sevens through Rocks, fitz! I think I'm just gonna have to take a day off from work and do some "investigating." If this "seven-oh-sevens" thing is a physical object (signal, passenger train... hobos) I'll try to get a picture of it and post it here
Sorry, Lefty, that post sounded funny when I typed it, but after going back and reading it, it ain't funny at all, is it? Anyway, let us know if you solve this mystery. I think we're all interested now.
Sorry guys, I couldn't resist. I have asked a couple of BNSF engineers here and they just shake their heads. Never heard the term regarding railroad. They guessed it may have been something personal only the two would understand. Since you aren't supposed to carry on personal conversations over the air, many of the guys form certain codes to use for that. They also warned me that if I do listen in, I better not speak on air on their frequency! That is a NO-NO!!!
Well Lefty, you left us all hanging. What did your research reveal about CSX crews referring to "7-0-7's" We're all curious and want to know!
Aw, man...I'm sorry to leave you guys hanging. I haven't gotten the opportunity to slip down to Point of Rocks, MD to check out this mystery I think I feel a little fever coming on *cough* *cough* Yeah, that's it Since it's going to be a fairly decent week weatherwise, I may have to call in "sick" one day and then go search out the meaning behind "seven-oh-sevens" (insert appropriate sherlock holmes, 007, dragnet type theme music here ) [ 28 April 2001: Message edited by: Lefty ]
Lefty, down at the "Rocks" might have been code for Police that could give tickets for too high a train speed through town? We be's a currious bunch! Huh?
Lefty, Got and answer for you! I just found this topic again, but I have an answer for your original question about the 7-0-7's at point-o-rocks! The radio transmission you heard, was probably a TrainMaster reminding an engineer or conductor to watch his train orders for clearence trouble with some extra wide loads they had on board. Such orders vary depending on the width, heighth or length of unusual loads that may be a close fit when passing through a tunnel, cut, bridge, building, or over/under pass, and the like. Sometimes the train is required to stop and the conductor is required to check those loads for any sign of loose parts, rigging, dragging cables, chains, or shifted loads, such as stacked lumber, pipe, poles, refinery towers, and extra large or long cratted machinery, sunbarine hull sections, and Nasa equipment. Anything out of the ordinary could strike on the side ot top of a load, causing damage or a derailment. Some times it can be so dangerous that orders will require the train may only proceed after the check, only on hand signals. That would require one man to watch one side and overhead, and another man on the other side. Either man could instantly order the engineer to stop, if the load was about to crash into the obstruction. So, the train probably had some cargo loads designated #707 that might or would require special handling to get past an obstruction when the got to "Point-O-Rocks". The BNSF dispatcher told me this was his best guess, and that if the "707" had been "747", he would suspect it was Airplane sections, or parts to one that are sometimes handled this way under special orders. Makes sense to me now.
