Ok, now it's possible as I've been reading on facebook and hearing from freinds that UP Union Pacific business passenger train might come through on an NS mainline in Northeast Ohio heading east towards Harrisburg PA and points east. The best part, I guess Spirit of Union Pacific SD70ACe #1943 will be leading. So I'll relay information as I get it if this will happen.
Or if anyone has any info, please comment below.
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Man I hope it comes to Philly!
I've been hearing this as well. I heard it was using the NS Chicago line.
Reportedly departing Chicago, eastbound on either May 30, or May 31. Also, it has been reported that unit 1943 has already had that special "former PRR cab signal system" that NS uses, installed in order for it to be in the lead.
Nothing solid, but has heard the same of the train....
Did not hear about the 1943, cool!
I wonder since it is leaving from Chicago the end of may if it will go through Bryan, if it does it will more than likely be while I am at work, or it could go around Bryan, since I am not sure what routes NS has.
If it comes here, I will definitely venture out to see it. I hope someone here with the inside scoop will dprovidedetails if/when available.
I would sure like to know if it is coming to Harrisburg,PA
From what I've heard, it is going to Croxton, NJ, and will be leaving Chicago about noon on Wednesday and will likely be traveling through the night throughout much of Ohio and western PA via Ft Wayne and Pittsburgh Lines. the It is slated to return 6/4. I'll be out there photographing it for sure.
Err, Why. And because UP wants to is notvan answer!
Dominic Mazoch posted:Err, Why. And because UP wants to is notvan answer!
Well, it might just be the answer, in the minds of UP management, plus NS management.
If, in fact, the train does travel on the former PRR Ft. Wayne Line, it might be an inspection run for possible purchase. CSX was awarded the Ft. Wayne line in the Conrail break up. The intent was to provide rail competition in the Ft. Wayne market as NS is the only other railroad in town. CSX has leased the tracks, from Chicago to Crestline, OH, to G&W which operates it as Chicago, Ft. Wayne & Eastern. NS has trackage rights and operates several trains per day, mostly eastbound. I occasionally see a CSX unit grain train headed west. I have noticed more UP power on the line recently. I assumed that it was just a NS train with UP run-through power. If CSX is looking to divest of extra track, this might be a possible motive.
This is all purely speculation, of course. Isn't that what this forum is all about?
Tom
Ok, to update my post, here was a comment someone posted on Train Orders below in the bold saying this....
I had a source tell me it was going from Chicago to New Jersey, then on to West Point. No idea if it's true, just adding to the rumor mill.
Anyway, I'll keep updating on any new information added.
wrawroacx posted:Ok, to update my post, here was a comment someone posted on Train Orders below in the bold saying this....
I had a source tell me it was going from Chicago to New Jersey, then on to West Point. No idea if it's true, just adding to the rumor mill.
Anyway, I'll keep updating on any new information added.
Norfolk Souther doesn't go to West Point.
Source: Union Pacific Railroad
What NS line will 1943 be taking? Will it come through the former Reading line?
As relevant updates to the subject matter are added, could the title be modified with a date?
Maxrailroad posted:What NS line will 1943 be taking? Will it come through the former Reading line?
Since the office car special is reportedly going to Croxton Yard, in New Jersey, someone more familiar with NS main lines will have to figure that out. For what it's worth, the 1943 has been fitted with that special "former PRR" cab signal system, that NS uses in the east.
Today at 2:30 EDT, Union Pacific put out this press release, no word on The Spirit of the Union Pacific 1943 trip out of Chicago.
Below is the press release:
Union Pacific Delivers on its Mission of Service
Annual Sustainability Achievements Released in 2017 Building America Report
OMAHA, NEB, MAY 29, 2018
Union Pacific today released its 2017 Building America Report, demonstrating its commitment to operate a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible rail network. This is Union Pacific's ninth annual sustainability report detailing the company's progress toward its social, economic and environmental initiatives.
"Union Pacific's sustainability approach requires engaging with our four key stakeholder groups to understand their evolving needs, ultimately creating competitive advantages for customers, job stability for employees, solid returns for our shareholders, and economic strength and improved quality of life in the 7,000 communities where we operate,"said Lance Fritz, Union Pacific's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We're proud of the work we accomplished in 2017 and are inspired to continue carrying out our company's mission of service."
Union Pacific uses the Global Reporting Initiative's global sustainability reporting standards as a guide to report its most material social responsibility issues including: Economic Impact, Operating Safely, Strengthening Our Communities, Engaging Employees and Preserving the Environment. Key accomplishments outlined in this year's report include:
Click here: To read the press release.
Source: AP Omaha, NEB.
Maxrailroad posted:What NS line will 1943 be taking? Will it come through the former Reading line?
I would say Harrisburg, to Reading, to Lehigh
Just curious but what is the route going into Chicago? The UP ex CNW Geneva sub line through proviso? I wouldn't mind catching it as I live near Geneva. I'm assuming it's on it's way towards Chicago now?
It is possible that the route and timing of the train will only be known to some people on as need to know. Also, will this thing actually run? Odd the NS official sources are, "hunting wabbit", quiet.
Per heritage units this morning, 1943 is trailing 2nd on the OCS.
Some clarity:
Office-car special (OCS)
A train composed of passenger cars that are privately owned by the railroad corporation and which travels along their rail lines, so that upper level management can review facilities, assess the addition or reconstruction of facilities that are needed for expansion or modernization; as well as streamlining of operations or removal of obsolete infrastructure. Also, these trains are used to escort visiting upper level management from other railroads for the purpose of a proposed purchase or sale of a rail line.
Question:
Will this OCS be in Toledo, Ohio? or anywhere close to this station?
Gary from Michigan and willing to go on a road trip.
trainroomgary posted:Some clarity:
Office-car special (OCS)
A train composed of passenger cars that are privately owned by the railroad corporation and which travels along their rail lines, so that upper level management can review facilities, assess the addition or reconstruction of facilities that are needed for expansion or modernization; as well as streamlining of operations or removal of obsolete infrastructure. Also, these trains are used to escort visiting upper level management from other railroads for the purpose of a proposed purchase or sale of a rail line.
Question:
Will this OCS be in Toledo, Ohio? or anywhere close to this station?
Gary from Michigan and willing to go on a road trip.
Gary, yes, it will go right through Toledo passed Toledo Amtrak station along the NS Chicago Line.
Problem? It's suppose to leave Chicago around 4PM edt today from what I'm reading, so your looking probably after 9PM when he reaches Toledo station. Cleveland probably won't be till after midnight, so I'll be passing.
Now as everyone knows in the railroading world, this can change at any moment. I'm only going by what I've read on Facebook, Train Orders, etc.
Like example, another report on facebook I saw this morning put it leaving Chicago between 4 to 5PM and reaching Toledo between 8 to 9PM.
So my theory, I'm not really worrying about it until it actually leaves Chicago. Everything right now is guesstimates.
Hmm...maybe this whole thing is just mth/lionel gimmick to sell UP trains to east coast folks. I can foresee several pictures of the UP 1943 on the lead coming through the horseshoe curve, the gallitzin tunnels, and of course on the Rockville bridge. All pictures carefully timed for either sweet light in the evening or sunrise!! The horseshoe curve portion would need to be carefully times so that the NS OCS could run side by side as they came through the curve of course. If you take the Harrisburg line to Philly you could even time just right to have the UP ocs slow down while going through Paradise PA and get a side by side with Strausburg #90 at the end of its run!!
Just for fun pull into 30th street station in Philly, stop for a cheese steak!
Then on the return trip drive every body crazy - Route the train down to Baltimore, have it pull the museum special over the first mile just for one day, then back to NS and head to head meet up and photo op with a fired up 611, at Roanoke of course. Maybe for her trip back west she can ride up the sand patch grade before hitting NS trackage again.
After all, this would drive up sales of UP models to east coast fans and east coast models to west coast fans. I could see the Rockville bridge diorama's doubling in value for a least a week or two!
Okay - I honestly hope this happens, I have no idea what is means for RR business at large, and am just having a little fun - cheers folks
For all of use in Philly, 1943 will be turning at Harrisburg to pass through Allentown, then to Croxton Yard. Guess I'm taking a trip to Allentown!
Just as a point of reference, I understand the train just passed the Rochelle, IL Railcam/Railpark location.
Was told the train is approaching Geneva so that should put it into Proviso Yard within 30-45 minutes.
Charlie
For all of use in Philly, 1943 will be turning at Harrisburg to pass through Allentown, then to Croxton Yard. Guess I'm taking a trip to Allentown!
Max
Well, if that is true then it should be passing by my house on the NS Harrisburg main line near Sinking Spring at the triple grade crossing!!
and then take the northern route out of Reading to Allentown.
Donald
wrawroacx posted:Gary, yes, it will go right through Toledo passed Toledo Amtrak station along the NS Chicago Line.
Problem? It's suppose to leave Chicago around 4PM edt today from what I'm reading, so your looking probably after 9PM when he reaches Toledo station. Cleveland probably won't be till after midnight, so I'll be passing.
Now as everyone knows in the railroading world, this can change at any moment. I'm only going by what I've read on Facebook, Train Orders, etc.
Like example, another report on facebook I saw this morning put it leaving Chicago between 4 to 5PM and reaching Toledo between 8 to 9PM.
So my theory, I'm not really worrying about it until it actually leaves Chicago. Everything right now is guesstimates.
Hi Tom jr.
Gary
Just in time for the rain ! That might make a good photo tonight, thunderstorm and train !!
This might be a good time to watch the Chesterton Railcam. HSC may or may not be useful. The Flagstop cam near Butler, PA might also be a chance to see it for those who can't get out to fan.
Is it possible to determine approximately when it will arrive at Croxton Yard, New Jersey?
Eliot
Scrapiron Scher posted:Is it possible to determine approximately when it will arrive at Croxton Yard, New Jersey?
Eliot
No, I don't think so, as only NS management would have such detailed information.
Thanks, Jack. I have a call into the Yardmaster's office for permission to photograph the loco. Does not hurt to ask.
OBviously not going through Fort Wayne then if it's on the old NYC..
Latest location is Manor PA at 8:11AM.
If anyone wants to keep track of this train, Heritage Units is a great site. But I'll even make it easier, I'll just put the link just to 1943 - https://www.heritageunits.com/...motive/Detail/UP1943 That way you can keep track of the unit easier.
Also eventually the OCS will reach the Curve. So I'll add the railcam as well from Virtual Railfan.
Some screen captures from the Horseshoe Curve Webcam...
Beautiful coverage around the horseshoe curve! Any guess when it will reach Harrisburg? Does it cross the Rockville Bridge?
TURTLE 2 posted:Beautiful coverage around the horseshoe curve! Any guess when it will reach Harrisburg? Does it cross the Rockville Bridge?
Yep....that is the mainline.
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