Video: A Bustling Spot, Rome, NY & A Railfan's Bud

Just by chance, I caught an oil train (with BNSF run-through power) waiting at Rome's Amtrak station yesterday for two westbounds to pass, one of which was Amtrak's 281.

A railfan's best bud? Watch the video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijCMbTdjHy8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ut-1 wrote:Just by chance, I caught an oil train (with BNSF run-through power) waiting at Rome's Amtrak station yesterday.

Do they tack those other cars (covered hoppers, I think) on each end as spacers for the oil cars?

I used to live less than a mile from the station, but that was some years before I got into railfanning. This afternoon, I spent a bunch of time "driving" around the area with Google Street View. I can still find the old house, and a few things on the former AFB.

Yes, normally you have to "bury the hazardous" cars, which means putting empties or other frieght between cars with certain placards and the locomotives. The idea is to protect somewhat from flammable material reaching the hot locomotives and to protect the crew from getting covered in it.

Okay, thanks. I kinda figured those were idlers/spacers.

I just Googled "idler cars" and found at least one thread about 'em on here. That'll be good for my "idle curiosity."