by NoahDaBoa
How can I tell if a northbound train from Des Moines is going to stay on the Spine Line and continue north to St. Paul, or if it is going to switch to the West-East main line?
I live near Nevada, Iowa, near the juncture of UP's Spine Line (KC to St. Paul) and the main line (West-East) and I have always wondered if there's a way to tell if the northbound ones are heading all the way to St. Paul or if they're going to turn.
It seems that the main line has mostly trains where the freight is stacked intermodal or 100% hoppers or 100% tanks, while the Spine Line seems to carry mixed freight. Would a train that is 100% hoppers or tanks continue northward to St Paul? Would a mixed freight possibly turn onto the main line?
Also, do you ever talk to the yard crews? Would I be able to ask one of them where a train is going?
I live near Nevada, Iowa, near the juncture of UP's Spine Line (KC to St. Paul) and the main line (West-East) and I have always wondered if there's a way to tell if the northbound ones are heading all the way to St. Paul or if they're going to turn.
It seems that the main line has mostly trains where the freight is stacked intermodal or 100% hoppers or 100% tanks, while the Spine Line seems to carry mixed freight. Would a train that is 100% hoppers or tanks continue northward to St Paul? Would a mixed freight possibly turn onto the main line?
Also, do you ever talk to the yard crews? Would I be able to ask one of them where a train is going?