BNSF Grain Trains
Author: Bruce Kelly
Date: 04-13-2007 - 10:23
I didn't know MRL tunnel communications were the factor (makes sense, though), but I've observed exactly what you're talking about, Bruce. Three units on the head end and no DPU seems to be the norm for grain coming off the MRL. Speaking of DPUs and BNSF potash, did you catch the business a couple evenings ago when the Sweetgrass-Rivergate loads tripped the dragger near Otis Orchards? They found a truck tire stuck in the brake rigging about 75 cars back. That led to much concern that a vehicle may have hit the side of the train somewhere along the way and got torn to pieces. The only other scenario would have been pranksters tossing that tire under the wheels long after the head end had passed.