Dale Jones Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> There seems to be an influx of "Mega" trains
> around the Spokane area lately.
> Just a couple of questions:
> I've seen only grain and oil trains - mostly
> eastbound...are the consists loaded or empty?
>
> As I understand it - they are approximately 150 to
> 200 cars at about 15,000+ feet.
> It appears they pretty much have 3-lead units, 2
> mid-train DPU's and one rear DPU.
> What happens if the train goes into emergency
> somewhere back, let's say, about 150-cars back...
> That's a three-mile hike back from the lead units
> - walking back at a 25-minute per mile - it would
> be an hour or more.

Yep. It takes a lot of time.
>
> Sounds like fun in a Montana prairie blizzard or
> baking desert sun.

It is.
>
> What are the contingency plans for a breakdown or
> derailment?

Crews say "Ft Worth, We have a problem."

The plan is not to derail or break down. The plan looks great on paper.

Management says it's a crew problem not theirs.

>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Talk to ya later,
> Dale Jones
> [railroads-of-montana.com]