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Re: San Rafael: Start for SMART unclear
Author: theconductor
Date: 09-23-2016 - 19:39
Crossing Over Wrote:
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> One thing to keep in mind that aside from the
> shunts needing to be moved out, the relatively
> light weight of the DMUs on new rail can cause
> VERY intermittent performance issues. That's why
> most Class 1s required at least a minimum of 12
> axles for light power moves (either 2 ea. 6-axle
> units or 3 ea. 4-axle units) to permit high speeds
> through crossing. If less than 12 axles, then
> crossing must be either flagged and/or 15 mph
> speed (depending on the RR specs). BNSF is
> minimum 12 axles of light power and I would
> suspect UP is similar.
The UP relatively recently changed it to 12 axles or less. Meaning that even two 6 axle units is not enough. However, we have never had to flag the crossings. Our rule states that the crossing must not be occupied until the automatic warning devices are seen to be working.
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> One thing to keep in mind that aside from the
> shunts needing to be moved out, the relatively
> light weight of the DMUs on new rail can cause
> VERY intermittent performance issues. That's why
> most Class 1s required at least a minimum of 12
> axles for light power moves (either 2 ea. 6-axle
> units or 3 ea. 4-axle units) to permit high speeds
> through crossing. If less than 12 axles, then
> crossing must be either flagged and/or 15 mph
> speed (depending on the RR specs). BNSF is
> minimum 12 axles of light power and I would
> suspect UP is similar.
The UP relatively recently changed it to 12 axles or less. Meaning that even two 6 axle units is not enough. However, we have never had to flag the crossings. Our rule states that the crossing must not be occupied until the automatic warning devices are seen to be working.
