"Mystery Train" in NJ

[ljudice]

I find this hard to fathom - NJT surely knows what is on its tracks:


http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2017/10/21/fire-officials-mystery-train-onj-nj-transmay-have-sparked-brush-fires-glen-rock/788105001/

[learmoia]

I find this hard to fathom - NJT surely knows what is on its tracks:


http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2017/10/21/fire-officials-mystery-train-onj-nj-transmay-have-sparked-brush-fires-glen-rock/788105001/

Maybe it was Alan Rail's Ghost Train (from Rick and Morty)..

[Mark5]

It was grandpa!

[MK]

I just heard that on the local radio.  NJ Transit at its finest "Ummm...we have no idea who's train it is." 

[ljudice]

I mean the only other possibility is NS.

[C855B]

Recalls the story of the UP3985 making a "Santa Claus" tour on CSX masquerading as a Clinchfield Challenger. Apparently the memo detailing the trip didn't make it past division superintendents - in more than one location they were greeted by a trainmaster with "What the f--- are you doing on MY railroad?" 

[MK]

What about CSX?

[learmoia]

Sounds like it could have been a NJT work train with a defective car..
... Stuck handbrake maybe, or dragging equipment.. do they use 3rd rail electric?

~Ian

[ljudice]

Late today NJT said it was their ballast train.

I think that line is NJT/NS no CSXT...

[nkalanaga]

~Ian:  Not according to the picture with the article.  In fact, I couldn't see any sign of overhead wires, either, but it was a picture of the track and a firefighter, so might not have shown them anyway.

A quick look on Google Maps showed two lines and a junction in Glen Rock, with no visible signs of poles or wires.  Signals did show, by their shadows, so poles should have.

[learmoia]

Ok, I was thinking if they were using 3rd rail electric and there was some kind of dragging defect that was bridging the 3rd rail, that could create sparks and arcs..

Otherwise stuck brakes or handbrake applied and not caught.. or faulty spark arrestor on the locomotive.

~Ian