Questions for you Canuck modelers

[Erik W]

I'm trying to figure out some basic stuff about current traffic patterns on CN between Jasper, Alberta and Vancouver, BC.  I'm curious what makes up the traffic on this section of the RR.  For example is it 50% intermodal, 25% unit coal, 25% mixed general freight, or some other ratio/type of traffic?  Are there any online or printed resources that would shed some light on this?  Any help or insight is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Erik

[Puddington]

Tim (BCR 570) would have this information or know how to get. Alternately; the Canadian Trackside Guide would list the trains scheduled for that area.

[Puddington]

I can't locate my 2009 Guide, but here's from the 05....departing Jasper Al.

Intra Regional trains - 400 series

414 - to Edmonton
417 - to Vancouver
427 - to Prince George
499 - to Kamloops

Unit Trains - 800 series

829 - to Prince Rupert - Grain train unit

Most larger Intermodels are between Vancouver and Toronto MacTier yard and run through Edmonton, i suspect.

From other locations to Jasper:

410 - Vancouver to Jasper
447 - Edmonton to Jasper
498 - Kamloops to Jasper

Local switching

503

Hope this helps

[Erik W]

Mike,  Thanks for the info.  That's a good start.  Also, my question should have read, what types of traffic were seen running through Jasper not just originating or termination there?  So, pretty much what types of traffic ran between Edmonton and Vancouver?

Erik

[SirTainly]

When I stayed in Jasper last year there were plenty of grain hoppers coming as well as intermodal. Mixed freight seemed to be much less. I would say 40% each for the first 2 and 20% for the latter, although that's just my observation. I have quite a few photos of cars from Jasper as it's pretty easy to get close, if you're interested? When I was there, lots of centre beams and ex BCR coal gons were being stored on the centre tracks. In terms of motive power most of it seemed new, but one SD40-2 turned up as did some CP locos (one was a Redbarn), assuming those were leased or similar.

Edmonton has some large refineries which supply lots of tankcars (spent sometime there watching the switching), I'd asume a portion of those went west although I don't recall seeing so many in Jasper - maybe those tended to be moved at night ?

Simon

[BN1970]

You can also get a lot of useful info from CNs actual web site.  Such as:

1) Overall  Investors info:  http://www.cn.ca/en/investors-financial-fact-book.htm

2) Density Map:  http://www.cn.ca/documents/Investor-Factbook-current/DensityMap.pdf

3) Market  Info (Coal/Intermodal etc): http://www.cn.ca/documents/Investor-Factbook-current/Markets.pdf

Plus the July 2007 Trains page 38 looks at all the major North American railroads traffic numbers.  Hope that is of some help.

Brian

[Erik W]

Brian,

Thanks for the links.  Those have good info.  I had briefly looked at the CN site but didn't think it would have much useful info. 

Simon,

I would be interested in photos if you want to post them, send me a PM containing them or if you have a link to somewhere else they are posted.  Thanks!

Erik

[BN1970]

Another piece of data - CN Freight Car Fleet in 2003

Covered Hopper:   26,709
Tank Car:                 184
Gondolas:             10,422
Boxcar:                26,888
Flatcars:               18,598  (including container cars)
Open Top Hoppers:  5,079
Reefers:                   347

Brian

[FrankCampagna]

Do they still move a lot of grain out of Alberta?

Frank

[Puddington]

Yes; going to the west, east and the north east.....like way up.....like Churchill.... good summer port....

Here's CN's 2006 stats.....

2006 Diversified Traffic Portfolio (1)
% of freight revenues
24 Forest products
19 Intermodal
17 Grain & fertilizers
16 Petroleum & chemicals
12 Metals & minerals
7 Automotive
5 Coal

1. Adjusted to reflect the Company’s reclassification
of certain operating expenses incurred in non-rail
transportation services, which were previously
netted with these related revenues.
2. Revised to reflect final destinations.

2006 Destination Mix (2)
% of freight revenues
32 Transborder
23 Canadian Domestic
20 U.S. Domestic
18 Offshore West
4 Offshore East
3 Offshore Gulf

[BN1970]

You would also have to add Saskatchewan for grain.  From rail fanning in the Fraser Canyon, Government of Canada Grain cars are very common, followed by the Alberta & Saskatchewan provincial grain cars.  Plus CN & CP also have their own covered hoppers, then add in the odd lease car.

I also believe that the port Vancouver ships the highest tonnage in North America.  Thats mostly bulk commodities, Grain, Coal, Lumber, Sulphur and what ever.

Brian

[Puddington]

You would also have to add Saskatchewan for grain.  From rail fanning in the Fraser Canyon, Government of Canada Grain cars are very common, followed by the Alberta & Saskatchewan provincial grain cars.  Plus CN & CP also have their own covered hoppers, then add in the odd lease car.

I also believe that the port Vancouver ships the highest tonnage in North America.  Thats mostly bulk commodities, Grain, Coal, Lumber, Sulphur and what ever.

Brian

Coal is handled by the Robert's Bank super port on the US- Canada border (Ladner area) - massive rail/ship port.... awesome sight - right near the ferry terminal to Vancouver Island (Victoria)

[SirTainly]

Photos from Edmonton here:

http://warweb.homelinux.net/userimages/CanadaTrains/Edmonton/index.html

Jasper here:

http://warweb.homelinux.net/userimages/CanadaTrains/Jasper/index.html

These haven't been processed so they are as is. Click on the thumbnail to get a preview, click on that to get the full image.

Simon

[BN1970]

Further to all of the above you can down load a PDF which lists the statistics for the Port of Metro Vancouver for 2008.  Metro Vancouver is made up of about 16 to 18 municipalities, including the above mentioned Roberts Bank area.  BNSF also ships coal via Roberts Bank but not nearly as much as the CPR / CN do.

Port 2008 Stats: http://www.portmetrovancouver.com/Libraries/ABOUT_Facts_Stats/2008_PMV_Statistics_Overview_Report.sflb.ashx

More Port of Vancouver Stats:  http://www.portmetrovancouver.com/about/factsandstats.aspx

Port of Metro Vancouver:  http://www.portmetrovancouver.com/

I also quickly looked at some photos on my computer and you do see some Illinois Central covered hoppers in CN grain trains.

Brian

[SirTainly]

Since I've done my visa paperwork now I'll try and find my 2009 trackside guide and see if I can update any of the info Pud found from the 2005 edition (which is oddly the only other volume I have).

Meanwhile where all that grain goes to in Vancouver:



I should note that the Trackside guide lists this elevator as having some interesting critters which are supposedly in storage but were working the day before I took this photo.