See kids, this is why you should never ride in the top row of an autorack

[learmoia]

OK, how that there is audio.. (and voice).. this is the first thing that popped into my mind when he talked...
(starting at about 0:45 to the end.)

[davefoxx]

So this is the bridge:
https://www.google.com/maps/@35.0854223,-90.0752214,128a,35y,99.25h,45t/data=!3m1!1e3

To the left is a dead end into an oil refinery...

As @Chris333 pointed out, in the direction that the train is heading is a dead-end into a Valero refinery.  I haven't seen anywhere in the media where anyone questioned or explained why these auto racks were being shoved towards the refinery.  Used as a handle to pull some of those tank cars?  Storage?  WTF?

DFF

[learmoia]

As @Chris333 pointed out, in the direction that the train is heading is a dead-end into a Valero refinery.  I haven't seen anywhere in the media where anyone questioned or explained why these auto racks were being shoved towards the refinery.  Used as a handle to pull some of those tank cars?  Storage?  WTF?

DFF

There is a little autorack facility down there.. (actually a nice Model RR sized place..)
https://www.google.com/maps/place/35%C2%B004'49.5%22N+90%C2%B003'54.6%22W/@35.080425,-90.0657152,153m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d35.080425!4d-90.0651677

I assume some convoluted switch move by an inexperienced conductor..
If you look at the track layout.. One thing that is missing are runarounds / double ended sidings / crossovers & crossbacks.

If you pull in from the east side with a train you have about 550' to run around whatever you have.. (or double/triple/ect.. round around)
(Not sure what the status/ownership is of the cars that curve up to the bridge on the west side.)

Without getting into a bunch of what ifs.. thats a shitty set of industries to work when you mix a 500' runaround, autoracks and a short bridge.

My only commentary, is whatever money was saved by tearing out the 1 switch that would have tied 1 of those 2 sidings just east of the bridge back to the chemical spur was lost x10 on that one incident.

Putting the switch back in and connecting it to the first track gives you 1200' runaround.
Connecting it to the second track gives you a 2000' runaround.

Either one would greatly reduce the complexity of that switching.

The other thread said it was an NS incident?.. Google maps shows a CN loco on the east end.
Is it NS coming in from the West and CN from the East.. and both switching it?

~Ian

[Philip H]

I go across that area 4ish times a year going back and forth to the in-laws in Green Bay. CN and NS both switch it, so I think your assumptions are logical.

From I-55 it is tight.  but its right up against the interstate so 70MPH railfanning is always a possability.

[Hawghead]

I'm going to guess that some tank cars from the yard near I-55 were set on top of some auto racks from the facility just east of there.  Then whole thing is pulled back into that little yard and run around.  Then the train is pulled east over the Industrial Ave. switch, then shoved back into the chemical plant.  The conductor would have to line switches in the chemical plant and that is why in the video the trains stops then continues to peel tops off of auto racks.  Sounds to me like a reasonable switching plan until you factor in the fact that auto racks won't clear under that bridge.  I'm also guessing that as the locomotive came around that curve far enough the engineer could look back and see what was happening and stopped the train.  Then called his wife to make sure she had paid up the job insurance.

That area would make a great switching layout.

Scott

[nkalanaga]

"Guess what happens when you aren't careful enough measuring the height of locomotive that ends up under the wires in and out of New Haven."

If it's a diesel or steam locomotive, I would assume that it's undamaged, except for some scorch marks on the roof.  But every breaker in the electrical system probably blew, shutting down all of the electric-powered trains, and possible damaging at least some of the system.  Locomotives are well grounded, and would short the catenary very nicely.

[sd45elect2000]

Diesel locomotives are not as well grounded as you think. The ground path leads through sets of roller bearings either filled with heavy grease or light oil. After a wire strike expect roller bearing damage, roof leaks, and a pissed off transit agency.

Randy