Technology sure has reduced the amount of space needed for an SRS inspection today. They needed a 65' doodlebug for less capability 60 years ago.
"Sure wish someone would invent intermodal containers", said the wagon owner. This almost looks like a household move.
861 is a weird looking Calf with such a small body. Is it one of the few whose body were gutted then rebuilt and filled with concrete? What is its heritage?
Looks to me, to be an Alcoa-ish, GE-ish, kind of a tractive effort booster with EMD truck/traction motors. What makes this cool is it shows and supports my ascertain, that an EMD will push the last GE/or whatever, to the scrap pile.. Only thing better would be an SD7/9 as the power unit. Not trying to be obtuse, just a different point of view.
The Alco-like notches are intriguing. The trucks look like old Flexicoil (pre HT-C). And the whole remote-control kit on the roof! Plus the guy dangling off the rear of the slug.
Well, I really didn't think too much about it when I posted this but I guess I should have added a little more detail. NS 861 is designated as a RPU6 Slug unit. At the time of this photo, this power set is working hump yard duty at NS DeButts yard in Chattanooga TN. The power set had just completed pushing a string of cars across the hump and had returned to the south end of the receiving yard to tie onto a new cut to start the hump process again. The notches do indeed show off it's Alco origins. This unit started out as a RSD12 and was rebuilt by CR into a MT-6 slug in 1979 and then rebuilt by NS into the RPU6 slug in 2006. This unit has worn 8 numbers during it's life span. PRR 8679 - PRR 6879 - PC 8679 - CR 6879 - rebuilt to a slug CR 1120 - NS 1110 - NS 980 - NS 861.
CN usually visit (at least from my limited observations) on NS (top) trackage but sometimes cruises CSX (bottom) (Dayton, OH)
An unusual trailing unit caught my eye at Sinclair Community College. I also noted that the train was moving relatively slowly and might be preparing to stop on a section of the "super" long CSX passing siding at Madden Park. I was aboard my bike but knew the route was relatively flat so "the game was afoot" After a 4 mile chase, I caught up to the lead units at Vance Road! YAY!
Cool to see one of those still running around, I see one every once in awhile here in Seattle. I like the old BC Rail scheme, but then I'd like to see one painted in CN colors too, just to see!
Traditional Southern Railway color light signals can still be found in areas, like these at Ridgecrest, NC at MP 124. Southern Gives A Green Light To Innovations
There's no milepost plate on the mast, so if it were red, it's an absolute stop. (A number plate indicates a Permissive signal, which if red, allows a stop and proceed at restricted speed). At Ridgecrest, the Aspect is green and the Indication is Clear. My photo below (at Blythewood, SC, 06/07/2015) is also of an Absolute signal.
So, this signal has no number plate "mile post" (meaning an absolute, or control point), but has two aspects, this would seem to be a signal for a siding, or an approach to a diverging route. But like l say, RR signals vary, (via time table, GN. GO, or whatever,) all over the place. If it were a distant signal it should have a "D" to specify that, if a grade signal should have a "G" on the mast. This to me is an interesting signal and aspect. I always respect and admire my RR friends,. Maybe we can get an explanation for this signal, as always great to see images from the field.
