Pdxrailtransit Wrote:
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> [trainwatchersjournal.blogspot.com]
> nsf-adds-oil-train-buffer-cars-for-mrl.html


When you say in your blog: "Wonder if this was BNSF's idea, or if the FRA made them do this." my answer is that it is the law. MRL is following the law on hazardous material placement restrictions. The hopper cars are loads destined for Pasco and points west. They are removed from the train in Missoula since having the two buffers in the train without helpers is also a violation. The FRA allows the cars to travel in the middle of the train without helpers as it is deemed safer to switch them out in a designated yard than when the helpers are removed. And practically having the two in the middle, although not in compliance, does not make the train less safe that having them out of the train. Technically they should be switched one to the head end and one to the rear but in Missoula they are simply added to the next Pasco train along with other fill cars.

My source is comments made to me recently by an FRA hazmat agent. Also look for radically different hazmat placement rules proposed for the future.