Thanks. I wish I could do something similar for the Signals side of the physical plant. Although it wouldn't be as "Gee Whiz" showing flame, sparks, and all, it would be fascinating to show the advances in technology from the old heavy relay days. I've heard that grade crossing control circuitry now uses RF, standing waves, and Doppler based on the combination of a train's approach speed and distance to control the light and gate systems.
True. And there are all those invisible people, never seen near tracks, who also make it work. Guess this is why I like the times of 40 years ago. Depots, towers, etc. All with people. You could talk to them, and learn a lot. Section crews that were assigned to a small area, that you'd get to know. Now, it's miles and miles, of miles and miles. Nobody in sight. When they are around, they're simply total strangers, quickly passing through. Boxcab E50
Hank, Again, those are some great pics of the track crews in action. It really shows more of the people side of railraoding. It is also really neat how they do the thermit welds on the rail.
The CSX corporate inspection train came by last night on its way south (west by compass) towards Gentilly Yard in New Orleans. Its power looked like CSX's two F-40's, but I couldn't be sure because they were in silhouette. I assume that it will come back north during daylight hours sometime in the next couple of days. I'll keep an eye out for it and try to get some photos.
It's definitely close to ready, if the suits and brass are in town. Boxcab E50 [ January 26, 2006, 09:24 PM: Message edited by: BoxcabE50 ]
The Corporate train went back north (east by compass) this evening, and at 60 mph passenger track speed! Turns out that Secretary of Transportation, Norman Mineta was on board today for an inspection of much of the repaired trackage and the Bay St Louis bridge. He also was able to view the totally destroyed US Highway 90 bridge from the train. The Hwy 90 bridge is about a 1/4 mile north of the CSX bridge. Our local TV news crew rode with Sec'y Mineta on the train, then showed him with our US Representative, Gene Taylor after the rail tour. Rep Taylor had arranged for a Coast Guard boat to give Sec'y Mineta up close and personal views of both the highway and CSX bridges from the water. Sec'y Mineta and CSX Chief Operating Officer Tony Ingram both were interviewed on camera afterwards and gave very positive reports. Sure wish that I had been there....
So they were making pre-hurricane track speed? Sounds very good. Must mean that the line is about ready to roll Boxcab E50
Ken, the alignment and contour are better than I have seen in years. I hope the ballast has been compacted enough to maintain this condition under 50 mph freight traffic.
Hank, I'm assuming your talking about the hwy 90 bridge over Bay St. Louis, Not the bridge over Biloxi bay, which is south of the NO&M. going west from Biloxi, where does hwy 90 cross the NO&M??
Local CSX representatives have told our various media that the freights will be running under Slow Order for several weeks to allow the trackage to settle. My concern, totally tongue-in-cheek, was that the "gorgeous" track alignment and ballast contour would be disturbed by the pounding of those "nasty" freight trains.
Ednsfan, I missed your post last Friday, I'm very sorry! Yes, I was refering to the Hwy 90 Bay St Louis bridge which is north of the CSX bridge. Hwy 90 crosses south over the CSX tracks just east of the Bay St Louis bridge at Henderson Point (Pass Christian). Hwy 90 remains south of the tracks throughout Harrison County until east of the Biloxi Bay bridge in Ocean Springs where it crosses back north over the tracks. [ January 29, 2006, 02:12 PM: Message edited by: Hytec ]
just the sight of the hwy 90 biloxi bay bridge brought home the extent of the devastation Hurricane Katrina inflicted. 5 days there, and I gotta say, things will get better, sooner than later. Everyone I met seemed determined to overcome this disaster. Contrast this determination with the stuff eminating from New Orleans. I believe the Mississippi Gulf Coast will be back LONG before any other region. Just my opinion, YMMV
