The Detroit Southern RR

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heartlandguy
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The Detroit Southern RR

Unread post by heartlandguy »

The Detroit Southern Railroad (reporting mark: DSR) was formed in February when the Wabash Central sold off their former DT&C trackage. When the new operator of the track went up for sale as well, the newly formed Detroit Southern bought the former DT&C (ex-DT&I) from Diann, Michigan to Washington Court House, Ohio (This also includes the Adrian Line from Malinta to Adrian.) and former B&O trackage from Midland City to Columbus, OH. Also operated is a branchline to Mechanicsburg, OH... We have trackage rights on CN from Diann to Flat Rock Yard and Detroit, MI, and on the Appalachian Western from Midland City to Cincinnati. Being a north-south railroad gives us the ability to interchange with several other RRs on our way from Flat Rock to Cincinnati.

The entire line is dark territory (TWC) other than the signals at diamonds, the Adrian Line, and trackage rights with CN, which are CTC'd. We still use train orders, even though we have dispatchers that give out track warrants. Though considered "out-of-date", we see train orders as an easy way to outline switching yards and industry, meets with other trains, speed restrictions, and other items over a general area. We usually have 2 or 3 train order offices every 50-80 miles.

We have a diverse roster of older EMD and GE products, painted in an orange & black scheme (originally designed by DT&I). Right now we only run a couple of manifests, some locals, and unit train, but we are hoping to expand and gain some traffic soon...

Roster (numerical order):
GP38: 200-206 (6)
GP38-2: 220-228 (9)
GP35: 350-357 (8)
GP40: 400-405 (6)
GP40-2: 406-410 (5)
B30-7 (ex-CSXT): 700-705 (6)
GP9: 950-955 (6)
Last edited by heartlandguy on Sat May 18, 2013 1:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"Alright, uh, get to a stop here and we'll order you a party bus for Lima" -12/30/16

"He ain't one of them terrorists, is he?" "Nah, just some paparazzi. We never get them out here!" -03/12/19

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heartlandguy
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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

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Train Symbols for the Detroit Southern. We use a system similar to Conrail's alphabetical system, but with a couple twists. Here's a breakdown of the average symbol:
Train type-Origin/Destination,Date (eg: M-FRCI05)

Additional symbols will be added on as needed. First official day of operation will be April 1st...
Road Trains:
M-FRCI (Southbound Flat Rock-Cincinnati freight, daily)
M-CIFR (Northbound Cincinnati-Flat Rock freight, daily)
M-FRCO (Southbound Flat Rock-Columbus freight, daily)
M-COFR (Northbound Columbus-Flat Rock freight, daily)
A-FRWK (Southbound Flat Rock-Columbus (NS) auto rack, daily)
A-WKFR (Northbound Columbus (NS)-Flat Rock auto rack, daily)
A-DECI (Southbound Detroit-Cincinnati (CSE) auto rack, daily)
A-CIDE (Northbound Cincinnati (CSE)-Detroit auto parts/auto rack, daily)
A-FRGS (Southbound Flat Rock-NS Gest St., Cincinnati auto racks, as needed)
A-GSFR (Northbound NS Gest St, Cincinnati-Flat Rock auto racks, as needed)

Locals and Switchers (note: symbols count for both north and south trains):
T-WCGC (Washington C.H.-Grove City turn freight, daily)
T-WCMC (Washington C.H.-Midland City turn freight, daily)
T-WCSF (Washington C.H.-Springfield turn freight, daily)
T-LIAD (Lima-Adrian turn freight, daily)
LSL (Lima-Springfield turn local, Mon-Fri)
LDL (Lima-Delta turn local, Mon-Fri)
DDL (Delta-Diann turn local, Mon-Fri)
WCSW (Washington Court House switcher, daily)
SFSW (Springfield switcher, Mon-Sat)
LISW (Lima Switcher, Mon-Sat)
DESW (Delta Switcher, Mon-Sat)

(note: switchers work the yards and industry in the assigned city, and will occasionally go north or south of the assigned area to work industry as needed)

Unit Trains (note: symbols count for both north and south trains):
G-MEHL (65 car grain, Metamora-Hamler (CSX), few times a month)
G-MELI (90 car grain, Metamora-Lima (CSX), weekly to few times a month)
G-MBCO (Grain, Mechanicsburg-Columbus (CSX), few times a month)
G-MBSF (Grain, Mechanicsburg-Springfield (PC), few times a month)
G-MBCI (Grain, Mechanicsburg-Cincinnati (NS), as needed)
G-SCCO (Grain, South Charleston-Columbus (CSX), few times a month)
G-BTCO (Grain, Bloomington Cargill-Columbus (CSX), weekly to few times a month)
E-BTCO (Ethanol, Bloomington Valero-Columbus (CSX), weekly to few times a month)
E-LIHL (Ethanol, Guardian Lima-Hamler (CSX), as needed)
E-LICI (Ethanol, Guardian Lima-Cincinnati (CSX), as needed)
PI-CIDE (Cincinnati-Delta pig iron loads, as needed)
Last edited by heartlandguy on Sat May 18, 2013 1:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"Alright, uh, get to a stop here and we'll order you a party bus for Lima" -12/30/16

"He ain't one of them terrorists, is he?" "Nah, just some paparazzi. We never get them out here!" -03/12/19

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DT&I
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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

Unread post by DT&I »

TSCR would like to know if we can utilize trackage rights from Columbus to Cincinnati for 40 years, if they're granted we would build a large intermodal terminal there. We were waiting to see if WCSR would sell it. We want to stay away from CSX, NS, and WCSR.
I'm just here to put in time claims and complain

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heartlandguy
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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

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DT&I wrote:TSCR would like to know if we can utilize trackage rights from Columbus to Cincinnati for 40 years, if they're granted we would build a large intermodal terminal there. We were waiting to see if WCSR would sell it. We want to stay away from CSX, NS, and WCSR.
I think we'd be fine with that. How many trains would run out of there?
"Alright, uh, get to a stop here and we'll order you a party bus for Lima" -12/30/16

"He ain't one of them terrorists, is he?" "Nah, just some paparazzi. We never get them out here!" -03/12/19

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heartlandguy
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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

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First day of operations on the DSR are tomorrow. Train order offices will open in the following locations:
-Diann
-Delta
-Leipsic
-Lima
-Quincy
-Maitland (Springfield)
-Washington C.H.
-Grove City
-Midland City

Local power was distributed on Saturday, through a series of light engine moves. These are the engines currently assigned in local or yard service over the line.

Flat Rock
-DSR 353 (GP35)
-DSR 950 (GP9)
-DSR 955 (GP9)

Delta
-DSR 350 (GP35)
-DSR 204 (GP38)
-DSR 951 (GP9)

Lima
-DSR 200 (GP38)
-DSR 203 (GP38)
-DSR 221 (GP38-2)
-DSR 354 (GP35)
-DSR 953 (GP9)

Springfield
-DSR 201 (GP38)
-DSR 357 (GP35)
-DSR 952 (GP9)

Washington C.H.
-DSR 202 (GP38)
-DSR 205 (GP38)
-DSR 351 (GP35)
-DSR 356 (GP35)
-DSR 954 (GP9)
Last edited by heartlandguy on Tue Apr 02, 2013 4:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"Alright, uh, get to a stop here and we'll order you a party bus for Lima" -12/30/16

"He ain't one of them terrorists, is he?" "Nah, just some paparazzi. We never get them out here!" -03/12/19

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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

Unread post by DT&I »

heartlandguy wrote:
DT&I wrote:TSCR would like to know if we can utilize trackage rights from Columbus to Cincinnati for 40 years, if they're granted we would build a large intermodal terminal there. We were waiting to see if WCSR would sell it. We want to stay away from CSX, NS, and WCSR.
I think we'd be fine with that. How many trains would run out of there?
30-40 trains.
I'm just here to put in time claims and complain

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heartlandguy
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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

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DT&I wrote:30-40 trains.
Wow, that's a lot. I'm gonna have to think about that for awhile...
"Alright, uh, get to a stop here and we'll order you a party bus for Lima" -12/30/16

"He ain't one of them terrorists, is he?" "Nah, just some paparazzi. We never get them out here!" -03/12/19

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Ypsi
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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

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Is that 30-40 trains using train orders? ;) :lol:
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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

Unread post by DT&I »

heartlandguy wrote:
DT&I wrote:30-40 trains.
Wow, that's a lot. I'm gonna have to think about that for awhile...
It depends on what the TSCR is doing soon.
I'm just here to put in time claims and complain

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heartlandguy
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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

Unread post by heartlandguy »

YpsiAmtrakBoy wrote:Is that 30-40 trains using train orders? ;) :lol:
Not exactly... It's technically Track Warrent Control. We just use train orders to outline things on the line ahead.

DT&I, I think it could be done, but a lot of work would have to take place before you'd start running trains.
"Alright, uh, get to a stop here and we'll order you a party bus for Lima" -12/30/16

"He ain't one of them terrorists, is he?" "Nah, just some paparazzi. We never get them out here!" -03/12/19

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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

Unread post by AARR »

heartlandguy wrote:GP38-2: 220-228 (9)
Not that it's a big deal but 220 was a GP38ac built in 1971. 221-228 were 38-2's built in 1975. So on your roster perhaps 220 was rebuilt to -2 standards as were a number of former DT&I 38's and 38ac's that CN sold off between 1999 and 2003.
PatC created a monster, 'cause nobody wants to see Don Simon no more they want AARR I'm chopped liver, well if you want AARR this is what I'll give ya, bad humor mixed with irrelevant info that'll make you roll your eyes quicker than a ~Z~ banhammer...

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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

Unread post by heartlandguy »

AARR wrote:
heartlandguy wrote:GP38-2: 220-228 (9)
Not that it's a big deal but 220 was a GP38ac built in 1971. 221-228 were 38-2's built in 1975. So on your roster perhaps 220 was rebuilt to -2 standards as were a number of former DT&I 38's and 38ac's that CN sold off between 1999 and 2003.
Hmmm... Did not know that. The roster I was looking at must've been wrong. We'll just say that what happened. :wink:
"Alright, uh, get to a stop here and we'll order you a party bus for Lima" -12/30/16

"He ain't one of them terrorists, is he?" "Nah, just some paparazzi. We never get them out here!" -03/12/19

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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

Unread post by AARR »

heartlandguy wrote:
AARR wrote:
heartlandguy wrote:GP38-2: 220-228 (9)
Not that it's a big deal but 220 was a GP38ac built in 1971. 221-228 were 38-2's built in 1975. So on your roster perhaps 220 was rebuilt to -2 standards as were a number of former DT&I 38's and 38ac's that CN sold off between 1999 and 2003.
Hmmm... Did not know that. The roster I was looking at must've been wrong. We'll just say that what happened. :wink:
I understand. There's some minor misinformation out there about DT&I's roster. Like I said its not a big deal but thought you may like knowing :)
PatC created a monster, 'cause nobody wants to see Don Simon no more they want AARR I'm chopped liver, well if you want AARR this is what I'll give ya, bad humor mixed with irrelevant info that'll make you roll your eyes quicker than a ~Z~ banhammer...

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heartlandguy
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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

Unread post by heartlandguy »

AARR wrote:I understand. There's some minor misinformation out there about DT&I's roster. Like I said its not a big deal but thought you may like knowing :)
No problems here! Thanks for the info AARR!

(Was wondering how long it would take for someone to recognize the similarities from DT&Is roster in DSR's roster) :)
"Alright, uh, get to a stop here and we'll order you a party bus for Lima" -12/30/16

"He ain't one of them terrorists, is he?" "Nah, just some paparazzi. We never get them out here!" -03/12/19

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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

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1st day trains are out and running this afternoon. All operations, both on locals and road trains, are currently going smoothly...

M-FRCI01 snagging orders at the "Morgan" T.O. office in Quincy. DSR 400, DSR 404 (GP40s) and DSR 701 (B30-7) for power and 41 cars.

M-CIFR01 getting off the AW at Midland City, snagging orders at the depot. DSR 705 (B30-7) and DSR 401 (GP40) and 27 cars from Cincy.

M-FRCO01 at Kleman, OH. Diverging onto the Ottawa loop for a three way meet with 2 CSX trains. DSR 220 (GP38-2) and DSR 402 (GP40) and 21 cars

A-FRWK01 at Diann, crossing the AA and snagging orders. DSR 702 (B30-7) and DSR 703 (B30-7) with 30 auto racks for the NS in Columbus.

LDL01 running around his train in Delta, gonna work the interchange and meet A-FRWK01 before heading south. DSR 354 (GP35) and 11 cars.

LSL01 working Jackson Center. DSR 200 & 203 (GP38s) and 13 cars.
"Alright, uh, get to a stop here and we'll order you a party bus for Lima" -12/30/16

"He ain't one of them terrorists, is he?" "Nah, just some paparazzi. We never get them out here!" -03/12/19

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heartlandguy
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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

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One of the DSR's first projects is to get the mainlines back up to 45 mph, in order to compete with CSX. The project is supposed to start soon, with ties and ballast work starting in late April...

M-FRCI02 through Sabina, on former B&O trackage. DSR 403 and 405 (GP40s) and 36 cars of mixed freight.

M-CIFR02 at South Charleston. DSR 701 (B30-7) and DSR 221 (GP38-2) with 30 cars from Cincy.

M-FRCO02 gliding through Thackery. DSR 222 and 227 (GP38-2s) and 23 cars.

A-FRWK01 snagging orders at Leipsic. DSR 704 (B30-7) and DSR 228 (GP38-2) with 41 auto racks for Columbus.

A-WKFR01 getting on the road, getting orders at Grove City. DSR 703 & 702 (B30-7s) and 29 auto racks from NS

LDL01 is on the Ottawa Loop working industries. DSR 200 (GP38) and 19 cars
"Alright, uh, get to a stop here and we'll order you a party bus for Lima" -12/30/16

"He ain't one of them terrorists, is he?" "Nah, just some paparazzi. We never get them out here!" -03/12/19

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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

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Got some grain trains out and about this evening, as well as the regular bunch of freight trains. Both trains are empties coming from CSX...

M-CIFR04 departing Delta, after dropping loads of pig iron for Northstar. DSR 404 and 403 (GP40s) with 32 cars.

M-COFR04 through Cairo, OH on CSX trackage. DSR 227 (GP38-2), DSR 704 (B30-7) and 29 cars.

A-WKFR04 snagging orders in Quincy. DSR 228 (GP38-2) and DSR 222 (GP38-2) with 40 auto racks.

G-MEHL04 picking up his train in Hamler. DSR 700 (B30-7), DSR 224 (GP38-2), and 65 empty hoppers.

G-BTCO04 crossing Orient trestle, south of Orient. CSX 7741 (C40-8W) and CSX 4019 (SD40-3) with 67 empty hoppers.
"Alright, uh, get to a stop here and we'll order you a party bus for Lima" -12/30/16

"He ain't one of them terrorists, is he?" "Nah, just some paparazzi. We never get them out here!" -03/12/19

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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

Unread post by DT&I »

You know you have the original DT&I main that ran parallel to the B&O south of Leipsic too? Just a heads up. There is a diamond and a wye on the west side that goes Northbound-B&O to Northbound-DT&I.
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heartlandguy
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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

Unread post by heartlandguy »

DT&I wrote:You know you have the original DT&I main that ran parallel to the B&O south of Leipsic too? Just a heads up. There is a diamond and a wye on the west side that goes Northbound-B&O to Northbound-DT&I.
I did not know that. Thanks for the info!
"Alright, uh, get to a stop here and we'll order you a party bus for Lima" -12/30/16

"He ain't one of them terrorists, is he?" "Nah, just some paparazzi. We never get them out here!" -03/12/19

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Re: The Detroit Southern RR

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M-FRCI07 rumbling across the NS in Leipsic. DSR 704 (B30-7) and DSR 404 (GP40) with 37 cars.

M-CIFR07 pulling out of Cincinnati. DSR 700 (B30-7) and 26 cars.

M-FRCO07 snagging orders at Diann, crossing the AA. DSR 403 (GP40) and DSR 227 (GP38-2) with 31 cars.

T-LIAD dropping his train in Lima. DSR 221 (GP38-2) and 19 cars from the Adrian Line

G-MEHL07 tied down in Metamora. DSR 224 (GP38-2) and DSR 222 (GP38-2) with 60 grain loads.
"Alright, uh, get to a stop here and we'll order you a party bus for Lima" -12/30/16

"He ain't one of them terrorists, is he?" "Nah, just some paparazzi. We never get them out here!" -03/12/19

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