Today we had to make a quick trip out, and obviously had to check on train traffic! Had a yellow over red light out west at the Marsh Rd crossing, so we knew a train was inbound from the west to enter the yard. The main and 1 track were occupied with westbounds, so we knew it was entering the yard. After about a 15 minute wait, So, we figured to get to the yard ahead of it and video the dark side on it's way in, Lo and behold! The empty on 1 track was ready to leave! The conductor waved and stated to the coal train conductor that they were now on film! They may be getting used to seeing this fella around?? We headed west to one of my favorite places to video from slightly above the train,
Took a chance and checked out the west end of the yard this afternoon late, and had a 'happy accident!' The local was waiting for a coal load to enter the yard so they could cross the main with a couple of cars!
Yes. We have a pipeyard, tank farm and frack sand outfit up on the Circle branch that are all oil related industries. In fact, Monday morning last week, we had a line of trucks with loads of pipe lined up outside, about 20 of them! I am guessing it is getting harder to get train loaded pipe??
Probably faster service than BNSF is willing to supply shippers. And with the crew shortages atop that...
Turns out the total was 52 trucks over a couple of days. That's about 17 railcar loads. The pipeyard sometimes does transfers between yards for whatever reason. Maybe they are prepping for some new drilling?
The horizontal drilling they are doing around here and up there is fascinating to me, I dont know how they can trip in and out of a cuved hole and not have major problems. How is it the pipe joint can flex to make a turn, but not twist in-two under twisting loads? How many joints of pipe can they put on a string in one hole? Man have they come a long way in 50 years.
Yeah, it is amazing how they do that! And they do it in many directions from a single vertical bore. Crazy!
What town or city is that near, I'd like to include some of that kind of industry on my Digital Rail road -- wanna get a look at it on google maps Thanks
It is Glendive, Montana. The industries are on the west edge of town on the remains of the Circle branch, which also heads out to the Fisher gravel pit. CHS pipeline and Thatcher Company of ND show up on the google map.
Had some interesting stuff the last couple of busy days here. Weirdest thing has been the use of the "runaround" track by eastbound mainline trains. This is a track at the farthest extent from the main in the yard, that connects the east and west yard ladders. It is not the nicest bit of track. The yard has been plugged up with east and westbounds, so they send an eastbound through the yard on this track, yesterday a grain train, today a coal load and an empty oil can. Add the Desert Storm caboose and 40-2's to the mix, interesting!!! Even if it was cold at 16F this morning!
Love the Desert Storm caboose, many memories with Dad in Everett, Wa about '91 when it was on display with the matching loco! Glad it's still around!
I am thinking it is only a matter of time until they put one on the ground using that track. Then the money expended to clean up, plus repairs, which should have been used to upgrade in the first place......
Yup, then somebody will take credit for the capital expenditures and be promoted beyond their capabilities and another RR Stuperintendent is born.
A photo from clean back in '91 when the loco got it's special paint job. This is a photo of a photo, with the Glendive shop forces gathered around....
