CSX Train Location Updates - March 2022

[Tom49801]

Q327-31 @ 09:48 westward reported by the DD mp CG91.9 with 556 axles & 7,840 feet long. CSX engines #5451 + #5249 & 136 cars.

[JBaxter]

L302-30 @ 21:13 with CSX engines #westward reported stopped at the west end of Grand Ledge mp CH99.1 with a Stop Indication being displayed by the signal. Seems to be a debate going on between the crew & the Dispatcher about how he cannot give permission by a Stop Signal that he doesn't control. However, the crew had advised this has been done before. Dispatcher said he needs to get a ruling for the proper procedure to follow. He has CSX engine #5313 leading & CSX engine #5444 most likely is the trailing engine.

Permission by the Stop Signal was given @ 21:20 but the crew must confirm the switch position.

Amtrak P371-30 @ 21:39 eastward reported by the DD mp CG91.9 with 16 axles & 305 feet long. IDTX #4629 & 3 SuperLiners.

L302-30 @ 21:53 westward reported by the DD mp CH104.3 with 292 axles & 4,432 feet long. CSX engines #5313 + #5444 & 70 cars.

Isn’t Grand Ledge in ABS territory, so any stop signal is a stop and proceed?

You would think so, however the signals at either end of Grand Ledge (and Sunfield, for that matter) lack number plates, making them technically absolute signals. Even though the dispatcher cannot physically control it, it has to be treated as an absolute per the rules.

If dispatch doesn't control it physically who changes that signal then?

[BL2-1843]

L30530 yesterday sat off 19 scrap empties at Thai-Summit Ogihara in Howell. Most ever in one day since they first opened the rail plant facility there in 1999. Saw all 19 cars go west on four different L302 trains in the last week so was expecting them yet was surprised they all came in one day.

[Tom49801]

Isn’t Grand Ledge in ABS territory, so any stop signal is a stop and proceed?

You would think so, however the signals at either end of Grand Ledge (and Sunfield, for that matter) lack number plates, making them technically absolute signals. Even though the dispatcher cannot physically control it, it has to be treated as an absolute per the rules.

If dispatch doesn't control it physically who changes that signal then?

The signal system automatically does & displays the appropriate signal based on switch positions & the track circuits.

[Tom49801]

Q326-31 @ 11:32 eastward reported by the DD mp CG91.9 with 532 axles & 7,143 feet long. NS engine #4215 + 1 & 130 cars.

[TSS]

Q326-31 @ 11:32 eastward reported by the DD mp CG91.9 with 532 axles & 7,143 feet long. NS engine #4215 + 1 & 130 cars.

Second unit is mid train and is CN.

[Tom49801]

Q326-31 @ 11:32 eastward reported by the DD mp CG91.9 with 532 axles & 7,143 feet long. NS engine #4215 + 1 & 130 cars.

Second unit is mid train and is CN.

Woohooo thank you TSS

[Tom49801]

​E801-29 @ 11:50:30 westward Bangor’s Center St crossing cam mp CG60.35 with BNSF engine #6275 & 130 empty coal cars & rear dpu BNSF #9190.

[Tom49801]

E801-29 @ 12:55 westward reported by the DD mp CG91.9 with 533 axles (+1 error) & 6,997 feet long. BNSF engine #6275 & 130 empty coal cars & rear dpu BNSF #9190.

[Tom49801]

Q326-31 @ 13:10:36 eastward Bangor's Division St crossing mp CG60.93 cam with NS engine #4215 + mid dpu CN engine #3253 & 130 cars.

[GRHC]

Y121-31 tied down in Waverly yard @ 13:25

[LansingRailFan]

EB L305 clear S Pennsylvania at 13:38

The depressed flat car that brought a high and wide last month is sitting empty on the MSU siding.

[Tom49801]

Q326-31 @ 13:47 eastward reported by the DD mp CG44.2 with 532 axles & 7,317 feet long. NS engine #4215 + mid dpu CN engine #3253 & 130 cars.

[Tom49801]

L303-31 @ 14:13 eastward Sunnyside Lead mp CH151.7 with CSX engines & ?? cars. Job briefing was static, car quantity will be known when he gets to the DD at mp CG126.3 He does have work for Lansing.

[lhfh8r]

UP 2682 and 4479 turning East from the South at 14:25 in Plymouth.

[Tom49801]

Q326-31 @ 14:47 eastward reported by the DD mp CG44.2 with 532 axles & 7,190 feet long. NS engine #4215 + mid dpu CN engine #3253 & 130 cars.

Y121-31 @ 14:53 westward on Holland’s Dock Track mp CG25.0 with CSX engine #6461 & 6 empty Gondolas.

[LansingRailFan]

EB 3-unit M302 w CN 8848/CN 5693 and mid-DPU CN 2280 clear Waverly Rd. The Western Canadian lumber mills are back to production again as more than half the train was loaded lumber cars.

EB 4-unit A492 is still in Snow Yard

[Tom49801]

L303-31 @ 15:35 eastward reported by the DD mp CH126.3 w/ ?? axles. CSX engines #5444 + #5313 & ?? cars. Another radio call had stepped on the DD's report.

[Eric Berger]

An I-150 went up the Lincoln Secondary today, 31 March 2022. Headed by CSX 5496, and had a string of container stacks. Hit the Inkster Road crossing at 14:20 EDT, and cleared by 14:22 EDT.

What was amusing was as the gates came down, some moron saw the gates coming down, slammed on the brakes, backed up to the entrance to the trailer park, and popped in to turn around! I think it took longer to go another way, than it would have had they just waited. One thing about that line is the crossings are usually blocked for less than five minutes tops.

As a final note, I won't be able to give as many observations on the Secondary starting next week, because I'm being put on another route at work. While I'll be able to HEAR what's happening along there (Possibly,) I won't be able to SEE it.

[Tom49801]

L302-30 @ 21:13 with CSX engines #5313 + #5444 westward reported stopped at the west end of Grand Ledge mp CH99.1 with a Stop Indication being displayed by the signal. Seems to be a debate going on between the crew & the Dispatcher about how he cannot give permission by a Stop Signal that he doesn't control. However, the crew had advised this has been done before. Dispatcher said he needs to get a ruling for the proper procedure to follow. He has CSX engine #5313 leading & CSX engine #5444 most likely is the trailing engine.
Permission by the Stop Signal was given @ 21:20 but the crew must confirm the switch position.

Well, today @ 16:13 L303-31 is facing a similar issue at the east end of Sunfield mp CH110.9 where he is stopped & dealing with same Dispatcher from last night's L302 Grand Ledge issue, and again, the Dispatcher said he needs to get a ruling for the proper procedure to follow. L303 had asked "who did you talk to yesterday to get L302 by their signal?". Dispatcher replied "I am elevating the situation today because we need a resolution" [a written rule to be followed]. I don't believe this Dispatcher was working this position when the Sunfield siding & its switches were removed back in March 2021. So, at the moment, L303 is waiting.