Author Topic: Mega Trend?  (Read 991 times)

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peteski

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Re: Mega Trend?
« Reply #1 on: January 11, 2019, 03:05:57 PM »
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This URL will get to the article without tracking (if someone cares).
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/infographics/longer-train-trend
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engineshop

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Re: Mega Trend?
« Reply #2 on: January 11, 2019, 03:13:09 PM »
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A lot of trains derail not because of there length but poor tracks and rolling stock material fatigue.
They should look into changing laws of tank and hazards material car construction, in case such a train derails and does not leak or blow up the neighborhood.

StarCruiser

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Re: Mega Trend?
« Reply #3 on: January 11, 2019, 03:38:24 PM »
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Yep... They need to look at all of the secondary factors that cause derailments before running off with larger consists. Couplers have a load limit, trackage that has maintenance issues should not be used for longer than normal trains (and really should be maintained better in the first place), worn wheels picking points or running rough on rough track etc...

C855B

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Re: Mega Trend?
« Reply #4 on: January 11, 2019, 04:28:32 PM »
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Generally, train operations have become much more reliable and predictable over the past 20-30 years, which in the conglomerate is the core tech behind longer trains. HOWEVER, it doesn't mean that train operations are now perfect and failure-free. With longer and heaver trains and higher efficiencies come larger consequences when something or somebody glitches. Can you say "Lac-Mégantic"?

Also, there has to be recognition of greater public impact. We have a local situation where NS is refusing to consider a relatively simple track realignment that would cut crossing blockage times by 50% or better, all while they increase train lengths. We have a twice-daily intermodal that is typically 9-10,000 feet long through a 10 mph curve that also crosses a major highway. So do the math on how long that crossing is blocked. That is, provided they don't bust a hose (or whatever), which is exactly something that happened two weeks ago.

We also need to recall UP's massive test train a few years back, 3-1/2 miles long or something like that. It was sort of OK in the open desert, but when it got into town (L.A.) headed towards the terminal district, local street traffic disruption was massive. If the RRs want to thump the efficiency drum to enhance their bottom line, then they need to pony-up to the bar and start talking about funding grade separations everywhere that are NOT on the taxpayer's dime. :x