Plugging the Yard
Feb. 14th, 2024 06:28 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kevin_standleeThe two switching tracks between our house and the main line in Fernley are called the "House Tracks." This name goes back to when there was a station located here, and the tracks were used for local work at the station. This was where BNSF based its local switch job ("little BN") and where the through BNSF trains ("big BN) would drop and pick up cars. Little BN doesn't run anymore. Whether BNSF lost or gave up the local switching contracts, I do not know; however, the House Tracks are mostly vacant these days.
For some reason, there were a large number cars in the House Tracks.
Indeed, it looks like the tracks are "plugged" (full). The cars at the left in this picture are almost fouling the derails on the west end. (Some of you may recall the story of the derailed train at this point.)
While the tank cars (asphalt) are not unusual, as there is an asphalt plant on the opposite side of the tracks, what is a bit odd are the intermodal containers. That's a three-unit intermodal car. (That is, it's three cars with a single two-axle truck shared between cars A-B and B-C.) I speculate that this is a "bad order" car that has been set out until it can be carefully taking back to Sparks and either repaired or the containers moved to another car.
Why there is so much traffic there today, I do not know. I heard no chatter on the railroad radio that would explain it.
While I took these two photos, Lisa used her better camera to take photos that may be used for Railway Legends, Myths, and Stories. Then she made us ground beef over rice for dinner. Yesterday she made lamb stew, the leftovers from which were good for lunch today with yet another helping waiting for my lunch tomorrow. I'm certainly not going hungry here.
For some reason, there were a large number cars in the House Tracks.
Indeed, it looks like the tracks are "plugged" (full). The cars at the left in this picture are almost fouling the derails on the west end. (Some of you may recall the story of the derailed train at this point.)
While the tank cars (asphalt) are not unusual, as there is an asphalt plant on the opposite side of the tracks, what is a bit odd are the intermodal containers. That's a three-unit intermodal car. (That is, it's three cars with a single two-axle truck shared between cars A-B and B-C.) I speculate that this is a "bad order" car that has been set out until it can be carefully taking back to Sparks and either repaired or the containers moved to another car.
Why there is so much traffic there today, I do not know. I heard no chatter on the railroad radio that would explain it.
While I took these two photos, Lisa used her better camera to take photos that may be used for Railway Legends, Myths, and Stories. Then she made us ground beef over rice for dinner. Yesterday she made lamb stew, the leftovers from which were good for lunch today with yet another helping waiting for my lunch tomorrow. I'm certainly not going hungry here.
