Weekend Update 12/29/19

[Ed Kapuscinski]

So what does that thing DO?

[milw156]

video of train from  Jan 2, 2020 starts at 9:45

[C855B]

So what does that thing DO?

The similar train I've seen with burro cranes skittering along the tops of gons has been for picking up and setting down ties along the ROW. That one was comprised of standard (and pretty beat-up) gons, and conventional power.

Now why would UP be doing this plebian, dirty task with a fully-customized purpose-built new train, huh?

This is semi-educated conjecture, but recalling a chat I had a few years back with a UP engineering VP, there was a big row between engineering/MOW and the operating department over who would or wouldn't get to pilot the track inspection vehicle, DC-something or other. A key component of the argument was union agreements. This is why the ostensibly-self-propelled inspection car was suddenly being pushed everywhere by conventional mainline power. I think - again, partial knowledge here, and possibly different unions involved - they commissioned this train, at a cost of million$, to make it very clear that this was dedicated MOW equipment that could not be used in revenue service, and therefore was completely under the auspices of THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT. As a shareholder I'm not particularly thrilled about (what I perceive as) a humongous waste of money just to circumvent work rules, as a railfan, oh gawd, this is cool. 

[Missaberoad]

Now why would UP be doing this plebian, dirty task with a fully-customized purpose-built new train, huh?

This is semi-educated conjecture, but recalling a chat I had a few years back with a UP engineering VP, there was a big row between engineering/MOW and the operating department over who would or wouldn't get to pilot the track inspection vehicle, DC-something or other. A key component of the argument was union agreements. This is why the ostensibly-self-propelled inspection car was suddenly being pushed everywhere by conventional mainline power. I think - again, partial knowledge here, and possibly different unions involved - they commissioned this train, at a cost of million$, to make it very clear that this was dedicated MOW equipment that could not be used in revenue service, and therefore was completely under the auspices of THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT. As a shareholder I'm not particularly thrilled about (what I perceive as) a humongous waste of money just to circumvent work rules, as a railfan, oh gawd, this is cool. 

You're pretty much on the money! On CP at least these things are not considered trains, they're track units. That way they are operated by ES crews with no Running Trades employees required.

http://www.railpictures.ca/upload/canadian-pacific-contracted-relco-locomotives-in-albia-to-build-at-least-2-of-these-herzog-esque-self-propelled-mw-trains-this-units-%E2%80%9Ca%E2%80%9D-end-is-powered-converted-from-gp38ac-cp-30

[JanesCustomTrain]

Now why would UP be doing this plebian, dirty task with a fully-customized purpose-built new train, huh?

HERZOG had more or less all these covered, are they too expensive ? I saw Canadian Pacific ordering and using their own and now UP as well.

Jane

[C855B]

As with nearly all "make or buy" business decisions, aside from the net-cost angle I suspect there were availability and scheduling issues that weren't going to resolve in the near term. Can't speak to CP, but UP has a lot of busy railroad to run and needs things to happen per their operating calendar.

[jpwisc]

Hey Karl,

I just passed the 1:1 version of of that exact MOW train where the UP main runs alongside highway 30 about 35 miles west of Clinton, IA.
It’s in pristine new condition. Your models nailed it perfectly!

Jim

Thanks Jim! That’s great to hear!

[jpwisc]

Now why would UP be doing this plebian, dirty task with a fully-customized purpose-built new train, huh?

Not only did UP have one built, they had Relco build TWO of these trains for them. 95820x and 95830x

[Caddy58]

Piperguy,

Many thanks for MM Video! Impressive indeed!
I have build a group of Fremo modules for the full Sabillasville curve, including the bridge over 550

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]
Some details and more pictures on the Fremo webpage, text unfortunately only in German (sorry)
https://www.fremo-net.eu/modulsysteme/baugroesse-n/american/american-module/sabillasville-curve/

No modeling for me this week, as we are in PA visiting family. I started a few free-moN modules last week before we left. I 3D printed leg pockets, and threaded inserts for carriage bolts that slip into the conduit I'm using for legs. I'm anxious to get back to work on these, one will definitely be the WM's bridge over MD 550 in Sablesville MD.


I took advantage of some downtime Friday to visit Mainline Hobby Supply, measure the old WM bridge at Sablesville MD, and chase the Maryland Midland. Got to see them take 48 loads from Thurmont to Highfield. Met a few N scalers while chasing, not sure if the are on TRW or not, but it was nice talking shop with them. This was my first experience with an exclusive lash up of older EMDs down on their knees in notch 8, I think I've found my new vice! If you have really good speakers or nice over-the-ear headphones, check this out!

[Cajonpassfan]

Dirk @Caddy58, that module looks amazing! Thanks for the link.
There is something so cool (real?) about modeling actual places well, and this is done so well... Good to see you back on TRW again...
Otto K.

[Caddy58]

Hello Otto,

Many thanks for the kind words.

Cheers
Dirk

[mu26aeh]

Short video on the Relco train

https://www.up.com/aboutup/community/inside_track/new-tech-rr-cleans-up-after-itself-01-08-20.htm?fbclid=IwAR3coqh6l1LBHjg0BNcaINcsYC9Vz0BDnDmLNo9m_CvuCGX5QjIugpL0ipc

[jpwisc]

Short video on the Relco train

Very cool! Just in time for the announcement that Wabtec bought Relco.