First Quarter 2018 operating ratios Source: Class I railroads CSX Transportation has claimed the industry’s lead in operating ratio by vaulting to first place from its second-to-last position a year ago. The railroad’s closely watched operating ratio was 63.7 percent in the first quarter, down from an adjusted 69.4 percent a year ago, and 0.9 […]
WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration received more than 2,100 comments from railroaders, lobbying groups, and the public on driverless train technology. In March, the FRA announced it wanted public input about automated train technology, specifically “the potential benefits, costs, risks, and challenges to achieving such automation.” May 6 was the final day for the […]
CSX has closed Locust Point Yard in Baltimore. Sol Tucker BALTIMORE — CSX Transportation has closed its yard in Locust Point in southeastern Baltimore, Md. effective 11:59 p.m., April 30, 2018. The yard sits adjacent to Interstate 95 just west of the Fort McHenry Tunnel, and also hosts a Maryland Rail Commuter locomotive and train […]
A factory image of Linsinger’s SF02T-FS rail milling machine. It is similar to one that Rhomberg Sersa and LINMAG expect to import to North America by the end of 2019. The self-propelled machine is designed for transit operations and is expected to operate on 90 to 95-percent of U.S. and Canadian commuter and transit routes. […]
A Rio Tinto train completes an automated trip in October 2017. Rio Tinto WASHINGTON — The Federal Railroad Administration is seeking public input on the operation of driverless trains and, so far, it appears railroaders and the public are overwhelmingly against the idea. In March, the FRA announced it wanted public input about automated train […]
A mixed freight crosses the water-lily filled Lake Sarah Jane on its way to Bat Yard. While much of their SJR&P runs through their backyard forest, Deb and Stan Ames view this beautiful viaduct from their cedar deck (the crew lounge). Thelma Shoneman An oil train from Riley snakes down the railway on its way […]
Southern Pacific cab-forward 4-8-8-2 No. 4219 leads an extra train at Dunsmuir, Calif., in August 1948. Guy L. Dunscomb, Martin E. Hansen collection Q On some early Union Pacific and Southern Pacific steam and diesel locomotives there is an “X” in front of the number. Why is this done? – Leon Bassik, Langhorne, Pa. A […]
WASHINGTON — “Safety inspector,” “safety specialist,” and “program analyst” are three job classifications Federal Railroad Administration officials say they have more than 100 slots for nationwide to fill as they search for qualified applicants. In a recent statement from the FRA, about 20-percent of the job vacancies to be filled are related to the railroad […]
Q I heard the term “nitrogen blanket” in reference to a tank car. Could you explain what this is and what types of tank cars have these nitrogen blankets? – Mike Riley, Manchester, Mo. A The term “nitrogen blanket” refers to a padding (or a layer) of nitrogen gas put into a tank car to: […]
CHICAGO — Rising intermodal volumes in Chicago have prompted Canadian Pacific to revive its Schiller Park intermodal terminal for inbound loads. CP consolidated its Chicago intermodal operations at its terminal at Bensenville Yard in 2012. The former Soo Line facility at Schiller Park remained in use as a container storage yard, spokesman Andy Cummings says, […]
WASHINGTON — Federal regulators are becoming increasingly concerned about the widespread deterioration in railroad service metrics amid complaints from shipper groups, who say the industry is mired in a slowdown that is delaying shipments of goods from automobiles to grain. The Surface Transportation Board has asked Class I railroad chief executives to explain service problems, […]
Dots painted on trilevel auto racks indicate clearance heights. Rob Burnet Q I have seen colored painted dots on freight cars, mostly multilevel auto rack cars. What do they signify? – Rob Burnet, Etobicoke, Ont., Canada A Colored marks on auto multi-levels are to designate slightly different deck height clearances on trilevels. Orange dots indicate […]
