Need Some Help Trying to Determine How Many Trains a Day

rattler21 posted:

Art, Have you asked the traffic manager at the mine(s)/quarry(ies)?  John in Lansing, ILL

I haven't and that's a good idea.  I don't know if he will tell me, but it is sure worth a try.  In fact, I think I'll just drive down there, watch a few trains, and do it in person.

Art

Good question, I know there's some during the overnight hours.  

Buy a cheap deer camera, set it up someplace where it's inconspicious, leave it for a day & half.  Could also park your car close to tracks with camera looking out a window (disguise it,) and leave the car.  I keep forgetting not everyone lives in farm country.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bre...sldv7BAr4_1_orGPKSfg

Kent in SD

My son-in-law had a form to complete with the same type of question.

In our case, it is a CSX line and he contacted headquarters (Jacksonville, Fl) and was given their data-26 a day

Maybe "button hole" some employees in the BNSF Eola Yard.

mark s posted:

Maybe "button hole" some employees in the BNSF Eola Yard.

Mark I decided that was not only a good suggestion, but should be fun as well.  So I made a trip there this afternoon, parked in the employee lot with my Chevy pickup and ventured in.  I wandered down the hall inside the operations building and found an office door open next to the yardmaster's office.  I went in and introduced myself to a very nice, friendly young man who was at a desk with computers and monitors of a number of cameras with different views of the yard.  After some small talk he shared with me that the silica sand business had really picked up in eh last two years.  They are running at least two loads and two empties every day and three on most days and even more some days.  He said business has been good and the yard is too small much of the time.  

He said he had been an HO model railroader, but after college he had left his layout at his parents as he doesn't have any place for it right now.  Since he now gets to play with real trains every day, he isn't in any hurry to do model railroading any time soon.  I showed him pictures of my layout and asked if he would ever want to attend an operating session.  He passed, but we had a very nice conversation.

Art

Just a little follow-up.  A neighbor met an employee of this RR that runs through our neighborhood recently.  He said that they have raised the speed limit from 30 MPH to 40 MPH, which explains why trains are seeming to pass by more quickly.  He also said that they are in the process of opening two more mines in the Wedron area and the number of trains per day should noticeably increase.  Demand for silica sand is on the rise again.

Also I had the opportunity to go flying with a train buddy in his private plane and we flew over the mines in Wedron.  I was impressed with the size and scope of their operation.  I believe I counted 14 yard tracks at the mine loading area, 1,000's of cars, and many engines.  A very busy place.  And all this in a little town that has a post office and one bar.  We flew over and watched a loaded train as it left the mine and headed for Aurora.  Fun day.

Art

Art,

Just reading your early post having seen your update.  I loce operations and am amazed at how nice the fellow in the office you visited to take the time to chat and share.  The plan ride sounds like a blast, too.

TRRR

Art:    Snoozed for a while and didn't read your post. Good work!!  Have found various employees at the Eola Yard to be a friendly and helpful group through the years, including a Burlington Northern Special Agent. He even commented that railfans have helped prevent some accidents.   

Believe the demand for silica sand is tied in with fracking, out west. Glad the line is flourishing !