Uniq. Eqpmt Sightings: Private Varnish (PV's), Charters, etc

[jhdeasy]

PV photo opportunity:

BABBLING BROOK on train 448(05) from ALB to BOS; return from BOS to ALB on train 449(09).

[jhdeasy]

Amtrak is operating an additional coach from CHI to KCY on train 3 and from KCY to CHI on train 4. Private cars passing thru KCY on either train are being positioned behind the locomotives and ahead of the baggage car, to simplify adding/dropping the rear coach at KCY.

[Backshophoss]

There was a Dome- Obs carrying the markers of # 4(26),however that train was short turned at ABQ due to a washout on Indian land,
That Dome - Obs carried the markers on now # 3(26) back to LAUS.

[Train2009]

Private car Dover Harbor will be on Train #172 tomorrow and #149 on Sunday 8/5/2018 from DC to Boston and back.

[Gilbert B Norman]

Observed (from a distance) the two Northern.Sky Charters cars on the head of #4 (30). I have no knowledge if the cars were revenue or deadhead or if there is any correlation with Mr. Backshop's observation reported immediately.

If the cars were on a revenue move, and absent an emergency, I'm sure the passengers "thoroughly enjoyed" the smoke, engines, and horns - and "have had words" with the operator and/or Amtrak. After all, when you are handling people who can reach into the wallet for something like that, odds get strong that "somebody knows someone".

[chuchubob]

Train 172 with DOVER HARBOR properly appointed.

[ExCon90]

It's been reported in some forum that henceforth #3 and #4 will carry an extra coach between Chicago and Kansas City and PV's will be handled on the head end to simplify switching at KC. At least it won't matter whether they're properly pointed ...

[jhdeasy]

PV photo opportunities:

BABBLING BROOK, Albany-Rensselaer to Montreal, train 69(24), return to Albany-Rensselaer on train 68(26).

BABBLING BROOK, Albany-Rensselaer to Toronto, train 63(28), return to Albany-Rensselaer on train 64(29).

[JimBoylan]

Since the cars for the Montreal and Toronto trips are being added at Albany-Rensselaer, will they be on the head ends of the trains?

[Train2009]

Train 19 left NYP this afternoon with NS Research Car 32, it is on it's way down to New Orleans, it will head back to NYP on Monday 8/27 where it will arrive 8/28. South back to DC on train 19 on 8/29 then on Regional on 8/30 to Roanoke.

[jhdeasy]

Since the cars for the Montreal and Toronto trips are being added at Albany-Rensselaer, will they be on the head ends of the trains?

No. BABBLING BROOK will be rearmost, properly pointed.

[Bob Roberts]

An Amtrak Cascades power unit was spotted on a Piedmont service train today in Durham (on train #74 headed to Raleigh).

Did NCDOT get a new toy to refurb?

Edit: sounds like it is a short term loan while NCDOT has power units out for PTC installation.

[liftedjeep]

You are correct Bob!

The NCDOT equipment is headed for Pueblo for PTC testing. The Cascades unit is being lent to NC in the meantime.
Ben

[JimBoylan]

The Track Laying Machine and Concrete Tie train are between Tacony and Frankford, Pa., near the old Wissinoming station, next to the I-95 Delaware Expwy.

[jhdeasy]

Private car COLONIAL CRAFTS sustained damage from an onboard electrical fire while parked at Amtrak's Pittsburgh station over the Labor Day holiday weekend. I'm told the fire was caused by a dead short in the car's DC storage batteries. Fortunately, I have heard no report of injuries. The car is en-route from Pittsburgh to a shop facility in northern New Jersey for repairs, cleanup and some new paint.

Private cars from Chicago to the AAPRCO convention at St Paul MN, on train 7 (Sept 18):

Chapel Hill
Stampede Pass
San Marino
Northern Sky
Sierra Hotel
Puget Sound
City of Spokane
Wisconsin (rearmost properly pointed)

Cars will be parked at Union Depot in St Paul.

Private cars returning from the AAPRCO convention back to Chicago, on train 8 departing St Paul on Sept 24: reverse order of above list, with Chapel Hill rearmost properly pointed.