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  • Pan Am Southern (webssite: https://panamsouthern.com ) is jointly-owned by CSX and Norfolk Southern, but operated by Genesee & Wyoming subsidiary Pittsburg & Shawmut dba Berkshire and Eastern,
Pan Am Southern (webssite: https://panamsouthern.com ) is jointly-owned by CSX and Norfolk Southern, but operated by Genesee & Wyoming subsidiary Pittsburg & Shawmut dba Berkshire and Eastern,

Moderator: MEC407

 #1530721  by jaymac
 
troffey-
Tnx and tnx also to the deer who have kept any self-destructive impulses in check.
 #1530963  by jaymac
 
For 0445-0640/01-13-2020, there was more heard than seen, starting at 0448 with the D-3 side of a convo with AY-3 and the 7627, they having permission to reverse direction from where they stood at CPF-WL with the goal of getting their 0x7 back to the yard. At 0504, there was a fuzzy "AYPO," followed at 0508 by D-3 saying something to AY-3 about South Track, adding that AYPO was starting their double. All this while, it was clear that someone was doing car countdowns, but it wasn't clear what the source was.
At 0516, the 333 WLs were dark, the usual Stops for the 334 ELs and darkness for the 334 1 stagger and 335s in effect., and at 0525, there was a both-sides-hashed brief exchange between POED and D-3. More will follow.
Up Da Hill, the 345s were and would remain dark while I was there. The yard was MT, save for the KCS box still on the Extension. The crumpled buckets to the west of the southerly Heywood and the fencing panels and weight bags had also not gone anywhere.
There was only unIDable garble on the way EB, and at 0548, the 333 WLs were again dark. Further east, the 330.8 WBs were both at Clear, the 330 WLs and ELs at Stop. Also at Stop and the reason the 330 ELs had been checked were the GL WLs. a few later the FG WLs would be dark, so dunno if the GLs have been reset to Constant On.
At 0605 dark, solo, and east-facing OldPaint 353 was in the FI-1/2 parking spot, and further east on West Side were buried number boards, more about which in a bit.
At 0611, AY-4 called out for a light on the East Leg of the Wye, just before POED with the 7500 -- likely the just-seen number boards -- called out to D-3, D-3 saying to stand by, mebbe to get AY-4 taken care of. 0612 was when the EB staggers for Derby were dark, and 0615 was when the temporary end of reestablished D-3/POED communications -- a 10x59, 1912 tons, and 4321' update, followed by D-3 OKing them west.
At 0620, AY-4 called out an Approach for CPF-AY, and their as-needed car countdowns would sound out the trip.
 #1531181  by jaymac
 
For 0355-0645/01-16-2020, there was some balance in the audio v. visual input, starting with D-3's 0358 shoutout to AY-3 and the 7627 that rapidly devolved to the unintelligible. Things were clearer at 0404 when AY-3 got a Single-to-2 241 west at 312, more to follow for both AY-3 and 312. Next up and at 0407 was AYPO getting the word to accept signal indication at AY to get back to their train, additional info to follow. Things were breaking at 0438 when D-3 told someone they'd be holding for AYPO. Given that D-3 said they had about 1 hour and 20 minutes to go, it seemed like the unheard-by-me party was AY-3. The precip had gotten to be more of the white and wet variety, and plows and sanders -- occasionally only slightly staggered -- were out in force and sometimes enforcing 20 MPH MAS.
At 0441, the 333 WLs were dark, so I was WB in time to see 400 with a total of 3 flats and 1 bi plus the 1124 get east of the all-Stops 334 ELs at 0447. The 1 stagger was at Approach, but in another couple the 335s were dark, so there wasn't a WB on the Single. At 0451, D-3 reached out to FI-2, another more about which later, but naught intelligible followed. 0459 was when D-3 again reached out to AY-3, asking if they were blocking Wagon Wheel and then telling them to tie down at the Willows, a cab to be called.
Up Da Hill, the 345 ELs and WLs were at Stop, POED on the 2 and about to headpin to pick up the yard. The power was KCIRs 7655, 7797, and 7489 plus NewBlue 7651. If the lineup seems familiar, they were mentioned in Hayden Logan's daylight 01-15 http://photos.nerail.org/s/?p=255006 , an indication that POED posed no threat to any land-speed record. Given that the caption mentioned 40 cars and that the marker was by Chair City Oil, 4 units might seem excessive, but mebbe a ferry move was in the works. There was a problem in the shove into the yard -- a short hose between the 3rd and 4th units parted, causing the effect that a parted hose should cause.
POED had some slurries west and a number of MT bulkheads plus a solo box carrying the marker on the east. What else mighta been between was blocked by intervening buildings. What was visible on Yard 2 were more MT bulkheads with coil cars east. No changes were visible for the Extension or southerly Heywood. Dunno when the snow had started, but it had not been run off the 1.
Before and after the offering of thanks was made, POED was busy and contact was lost only when distance and my being east of the crest ended reception. D-3 and AYPO with the 7898 brokenly exchanged update info, the total being 83 cars, D-3 advising AYPO that there might be signal issues at 312, so please to give a shout, and AYPO giving thanks for the hedzup.
The trip EB was at 20 MPH, probably cuzza plows ahead so I exited early, seeing the 335s dark at 0533, 402, doing their air a minute later. The 334 ELs would be at Stop and the 1 stagger dark, the 333 Controlled Siding WL showing a Medium Clear at 0541. 402 gave themselves the OK to depart, and a total of 4 flats and 1 bi plus the 1029 did the 0546 dropping, things going dark at 0548.
There would be the usual ZombieZone eruptions on the way EB, including a breaking transmission to AYPO about a signal maintainer. Never heard a clear 241.
After a refueling stop, the 330.8 WBs showed a Clear for 1 and Stop for 2, the 330 2 WL at Slow Clear and the GL and FG WLs dark, and at 0603, dark OldPaint 353 was facing west on the westerly end of covered hoppers on West Side, the same time as a badly-broken D-3 Form D. This was followed at 0609 by D-3 acknowledging TC T669 west and clear of WL.
At 0612, there was a hash about AY-4, sounding more like info was being sought about AY-4 and less like it was to or from AY-4.
0614 was when the EB staggers for Derby were dark, and naught intelligible of note was heard for the balance of the trip.
 #1531526  by jaymac
 
For 0411-0610/01-20-2020, there was a balance of the seen and heard, starting at 0411 with the hearing of D-3 telling Q427 he was glad they made it safely to Worcester. Dunno what the Form D was or when it got fulfilled, but guessing there was a recrew involved cuz at 0459 D-3 would acknowledge that Q427 with CSXT 3288 was west and clear of Barbers.
At 0417, there came the D-3 side of a convo with AY-3 who would be going back to the yard via West Wye, and to let D-3 know when they were ready for the light. This was soon followed by the D-3 side of a convo with AY-5, hedzupping same about AY-3 coming in the yard. 0424 was when D-3 OKd AY-3 on signal indication. To save suspense, there would naught IDable heard to, from, or about AY-4.
0445 was when the 333 WLs were dark, and 0447 was when D-3 re-hedzupped AY-5 about AY-3, who'd be coming in West Wye, so it'd be East Wye for AY-5.
At 0449, the 334 ELs were at Stop, and the 1 stagger went from dark to Approach, 400's equipment -- 3 flats, 1 bi, and the 1033 -- getting east on the Controlled Siding at 0451. The 335s would be dark and the trip up Da Hill quiet.
What was on the 345 1 EL? A Clear cuz POED with KCIR 7620, NewBlue 7605, and KCIR 7875 with 34 was highballing Gardner, turning on the 346.6 at 0507 and getting a no defects.158 axles, 6°, and 1940' at 0509. Mebbe my count was off, but my axle arithmetic and the the 346.6's didn't agree. There were slurries, full-size covered hoppers, no notable boxes, and CHUX lidded gons on the tail. Yard 4 had loaded racks with a few general on the east, and Yard 2 had general, ncluding either the same or different coil cars on the east. The KCS box was still on the Extension, but had been moved east to the air plant, and the crumpled buckets, fencing panels, and weight bags should be taken as a given and won't be noted again until they're gone. In Main Street Crossing Plow Berm News, they're back and intact.
Yes, The Shrine Of The Deity Of The CPF-345 Dunks did receive an offering of thanks, but evidently said Deity felt enough had already been provided to a mere mortal gawker cuz the EB trip was quiet, save for an unattributable "Back 'em up."
At 0524, the 333 WLs were dark, and further east -- besides radio silence to me being in effect -- the 330.8 WBs showed a Clear for 1 and a Stop for 2, the 330 2 WL at Slow Clear. The GL and FG WLs were dark, and dark and solo OldPaint 353 was facing west on West Side at 0536.
0543 was when the EB staggers for Derby were dark, and the balance of the trip had only Keolis-related hash to prove the scanner was still working.
 #1531691  by jaymac
 
For 0306-0506/01-22-2020, things were interesting. The points of precision for times? 0306 was when the scanner provided "Take 'em ahead 3, AY-6." The end-point of precision will be evident later. As a scene-setter, even before I got into my car, there was distant crossing noise. As later events might indicate, mebbe it was from Campground, or mebbe even from South Meadow.
Radioactivity was in full force again at 0312 when D-3 told POED to let him know when they were stopped at 312 so he could give a 241. At 0313, AY-6 got the words that they were OK on 2 from Camp to Lafarge, and at 0316, D-3 OKd AY-3 for the signal at 312. Next and at 0319, D-3 241d POED with the 5930 from the Single west to 2 at 312. Things were quiet for me until 0338 when D-3 241d AY-3 with the 7627 from the Single west to 2 at 312, next answering POED with the hedzup that AY-6 was ahead of them.
At 0339, the 333 WLs were dark, and the usual sequence of the 334 ELs at Stop and the the 334 1 stagger and 335s dark would follow.
There would be servings of hash on the way up Da Hill, where the 345s were dark for my short stay. The yard -- even the Extension -- was MT, the KCS box having departed on 02-20 per Stephen Demboske's http://photos.nerail.org/s/?p=255087 . Except for the sidewalk portions having been cleared, the Main Street crossing plow berms remained intact.
During the post-offering-of-thanks trip EB, D-3 advised AY-3 in a 0404-0407 convo that he'd told AYPO to hold in the clear on Track 8 for them, but that 22K was working the east end, next asking AY-3 if South Track was clear. Mount Wachusett was doing what Mount Wachusett does, so bits and pieces got lost, including 0410 D-3 hash to AY-2 that involved San-Vel.
0414 was when D-3 told AY-3 to back off on West Main -- a cab to come -- cuz D-3 didn't know how long 22K would be working. Curiously, all sortsa yard activity had already been and would continue to be heard, but naught attributable to 22K, unless AY-2 had taken over.
During a refueling stop and at 0421, a short POED with NewBlue 5930 for its leader and with KCIR trailers got west of the rotary River Street UGB. The 330.8 WBs would show a predictable Stop for 1 and Clear for 2, the 330 WBs both at Stop.
The GL and FG WLs were dark, and at 0430, dark and solo OldPaint 353 sat in the FI-1/2 parking spot. At 0334, AY-4 would make themselves heard with a request for 2 more, and at 0438, KCIR 7569 and a coupla more plus 7 racks and 12 general got west of North Leominster, the EB staggers for Derby showing a Stop for 1 and Approach for 2. Given that there were shorties on the tail and that AY-6 had earlier been given 2 from Camp to Lafarge, guessing this was AY-6 for however long.
At 0449, AY-4 checked with AYPO to see if they were on Track 8, and based on what got said -- but not heard by me -- dropped their 3.
There would continue to be some hash, but 0506 was when the D-3 convo with Q427 and CSXT 3424 announced that Form D G301 was fulfilled and 427 was clear of the entire territory.
 #1531841  by jaymac
 
0320-0530/01-24-2020 had some activity, as will be seen.
Things started off on the audible-but-unintelligible front with garble, possibly car countdowns. There would be clarity at 0337 when D-3 told Q427 to stand by, then at 0338 fulfilled Form D G302 to CSXT 988, confirming a tie-down at New Bond. At 0343, D-3 would give AY-3 permission to reverse direction from where they stood west to CPF-AY. There would now follow more, a breaking D-3 asking AY-3 for a repeat cuzza something to do with a radio tower. To save suspense, naught clear would be heard later to, from, or about AY-3.
At 0350, the 333 WLs were dark, and the usual sequence of Stops for the 334 ELs and darkness for the 334 1 stagger and 335s was in force. Also in force was radio silence -- not even garbles on the way up Da Hill. Radio tower issues?
Up Da Hill, the 345 ELs were at Stop and the the 345 2 WL showed a Medium Clear. There were BNSF hoppers on 1 at the Timpany Boulevard UGB with the marker in back of a Pratt building. The yard was MT except for 4 covered hoppers and an unplacarded tank on the Extension. Except for some melting, the plow berms on the Main Street crossing remained intact.
The line was slow at The Shrine Of The Deity Of The CPF-345 Dunks, so it was back to the Jade lot in time to hear the 346.6 come on at 0416 and announce 82 axles, 1148' and train too slow at 0418. Consider the "train too slow" as foreshadowing. At 0421, the 346.6 came on again and just a bit later, EDPO called the EGT's marker, the EGT returning the call. The 346.6 came back on at 0425 with a no defects. 444 axles, 17°, and 6158'.
EDPO still hadn't brightened the rails, but there was a convo going on about a unit, and finally KCIRs 7541 and 5963 came 'round the bend, getting 19 onto the Single at 0429. Again mebbe my car count was off. There were MT centerbeams, paper-service tanks, boxes, and full-size covered hoppers. At 0431 came the explanation for the train too slow, convos between C & E, and slow transit between the 346.6 and CPF-345. POED asked D-3 to notify Power Control that the 5963 was isolated, its #2 traction motor off line because of a 444 Fault.
This time, services at The Shrine were conducted in an expeditious manner, the EB trip being quiet except for a Mount-Wachusett-garbled D-3 241 to somebody at CPF-AY.
At 0441, the 333 WLs were on with a Medium Clear for the Controlled Siding, too early for EDPO, so 400's equipment musta gotten on the block.
Further east, the 330.8 WBs showed a Clear for 1 and Stop for 2, the 330 2 WL at Slow Approach. The GL WLs were dark, and at 0454, a garbling EDPO called whatever the 335 was showing them. The FG WLs were dark, and at 0456, the FI-1/2 parking spot was MT. D-3 would call out to A or 823 at 0458 with nothing further heard, and at 0502, the EB staggers for Derby were dark.
Starting at 0505, there was ample intermittent Yard Channel activity, but none of it attributable, except for a possible "AY-5" at 0530.
 #1532062  by jaymac
 
For 0320-0530/01-27-2020, much was heard and seen, starting with Worcester Main crossing noise being made when I got into my car, but probably for the Shrewsbury Street/MP X6.0 crossing since naught was heard from the 7.8 talker. To clear up Q427, D-3 would fulfill Form D G301 at 0350. There were no power particulars that I heard, and Hash à la Mount Wachusett made it unclear if there was a New Bond tie-down in the works. Hash was also being served up on the Yard Channel.
At 0353, the 333 WLs were dark, and D-3 began a convo with POED: Fi-2 had come back from Lafarge, and there were 19 Deerfields on FMW, POED responding that they had counted 40, D-3 responding they should lift FWM, and POED responding that the C was in the office and would contact D-3. More will follow.
As you might guess, the 334 ELs would be at Stop and the 334 1 stagger and 335s dark. At 0401, D-3 would answer AY-5, roger what they had said about San-Vel, and OK them on signal indication at WL. At 0407, there would be AY-4 hash involving light power, and at 0407, D-3 advised AY-5 that AY-4 had begun working in the yard and that he'd let them know AY-5 was coming East Wye.
Up Da Hill, the 345s were only temporarily dark, the 346.6 coming on at 0410 and the 345 1 WL going to Clear. The no defects, 245(?) axles. 27°, and 3811' came at 0414, EDPO with the 7797 acknowledging. In the meantime, there was a string of general -- heavy on covered hoppers -- from the midpoint of Yard 4 west, the rest of the yard -- even the Extension -- MT. KCIRs 7797 and 7535 plus NewBlue 5936 got 57 onto the Single at 0417, a mix of Ciment Québec and other shorties, full size covered hoppers, a good number of TBOXs plus a coupla company ones, Pro Lam and MT centerbeams, LP and paper-service tanks, and a few Brand X scrap gons and hoppers.
Yes, an offering was made, AY-4 providing audio input to the otherwise quiet EB trip to the 335 lot, where -- yes -- the tie-handler remained in residence. At 0334, the rails at the facility got bright, 400's equipment -- 3 flats, 1 bi, and the 1033 -- getting east of the the ELs at 0437, 0444 being when EDPO also got east.
333 was bypassed, and 0450 was when 400 gave themselves the OK to depart Wachusett, a Medium Clear called out.
Further east, the 330.8 WBs were both at Stop, the 330 1 WL at Slow Clear and the 2 WL at Approach, an indication -- heh, heh -- that EDPO was already east of FG. proof coming with the FG WLs dark, as had been the GL WLs,
At 0459, KCIR 7534 was in the FI-1/2 parking spot, and the 400 OKd themselves outta Fitchburg. POED had been invisible at East Fitchburg, but at 0502, they were audible. A couple later and from Nashua Street, the EB staggers for Derby showed an Approach for 1 and Clear for 2, a probably sign that POED had crossed over to 1. Now there would be a topographically- challenged AY-5/D-3 exchange about splitting up power in the yard, the Chief to be consulted, and a decision announced, making it seem that AY-5 was on 22K's power, D-3 adding a hedzup about 400 and EDPO coming. 0508? That was when 400 OKd themselves outta North Leominster.
The rest of the trip featured little of clarity, AY-4 getting the last words at 0530.
 #1532240  by jaymac
 
For 0315-0525/01-29-2020, the input tilted more to the audio side of the AV Continuum, starting at 0315 with what would become a pattern of occasional and unintelligible eruptions. Things got a bit clearer at 0326 when a breaking D-3 -- Yard Channel? -- told EDPO -- more about which later -- something about South Track.
At 0348, the 333 WLs were dark, the usual sequence of Stops for the 334 ELs and darkness for the 334 1 stagger and 3352 in effect. The were some more servings of hash, mebbe EDPO being active on or around South Track.
Up Da Hill, the 345 ELs and WLs were at Stop, there being racks on the 2 from however far west of the Timpany Boulevard UGB to the westerly end of the MART garage and morphing into general -- mostly full-size covered hoppers and tanks -- to just a bit west of the WL. Through the gaps, it looked like the yard was MT, and enough melting had taken place on the Main Street crossing plow berms that there was no way of telling if there had been Heywood activity.
An offering was made, and a trip slightly west was undertaken, only to reveal that things looked MT at the Wilkins Road dogleg. A trip even further west was made, the results being a Stop showing on the 346 WL and things MT to the east. At 0412, D-3 had acknowledged that EDPO had restored the South Track, had taken the update, and had said he'd contact D-2 to see if they could move right along. To save suspense, naught further would be heard, to, from, or about EDPO.
A trip back east to the still-OOS-but-being-worked-on Pleasant Street OHB produced the GE sounds of 5???s and/or 7???s making sure that sounds other than the snoring of housemates might keeping those nearby awake. That seems a particularly bad spot to decrew/recrew, so guessing that some substantial C arithmetic was underway. Was this a POED and/or AY-5 and/or AY-6? Dunno and never heard.
The trip EB was generally quiet, but from 0433 on, AY-4 was IDably and frequently activity. At 0439, the 333 WLs were dark, and further east, the 330.8 WBs showed a Stop for 1 and Clear for 2, the 330 1 WL at Slow Approach and the GL and FG WLs dark.
At 0451, the dark, solo, and east-facing occupant of the FI-1/2 parking spot was again OldPaint 353, and the EB staggers for Derby were dark at 0457.
AY-4 would be occasionally heard from, it being 0524 when it was Q427 who was heard from, advising D-3 they were west and clear of Burncoat and Barbers and could fulfill Form D G302, D-3 doing just yay to CSXT 346 at the same minute. 0525 was when 427 said and D-3 acknowledged 427 was clear of the territory.
AY-3? Dunno, just dunno.
 #1532437  by jaymac
 
For 0315-0520/01-31-2020, things actually started at 0300 with noise for the Temple Street/Rte. 140/MP X7.8 crossing. Radio noise featured some garbles and then a 0324 D-3 241 to AY-3 with the 7523 for the Single west to 2 at 312 plus the hedzup that they --22K -- were backing into the yard with ~5000', and then going to San-Vel, and mebbe AY-3 could go to West Wye, and mebbe -- alternatively -- tie down in the Milling with a cab to the Pine Tree, and mebbe wait until 0430 to see how things work out. And yes, there will be more to follow.
Next began a Q427/D-3 convo, 427 advising they'd call back in a couple, which was actually a bit more, 0337 being when D-3 fulfilled Form D G302 to CSXT 3335, they being clear of both Burncoat and Barbers.
Hash was again on the menu, clarity coming at 0347 with "22K, back it up." 0349 was when the 333 WLs were clearly dark, the usual chain of events -- Stops for the 334 ELs and darkness for the 334 1 stagger and 335s -- giving a sense of continuity to this jumbled world. At 0355 and during my WB ascent of Da Hill, D-2 would give a garbled 241 to AYPO for 307, no idea the cause.
Even further up Da Hill, the 345 ELs and WLs were at Stop, accompanied by "ED-9, 10 to go." WB racks were visible both at the westerly end of Yard 4 and on and however far west of the Timpany Boulevard UGB. Yard 2 had a long string of general -- lotsa covered hoppers plus coil cars on the east -- that apparently was waiting for PW pickup, and the Extension had a solo rack. ED-9 did their air, and it was good, so I made an offering of thanks, next beginning a trip west. On the way and at 0407, D-3 advised AY-3 that 22K had just cleared the switch and he was gonna let 22K know AY-3 was coming for West Wye. so mebbe to South Track and a cab for there. 0415 was it D-3 said 22K had cleared East End, so AY-3 should go to Moores. 22K would then need headroom for their next move, and would then again clear East End. This will be the last 01-31 mention of AY-3 for those who have ODed.
ED-9''s 3 units were inconveniently/unIDably sitting behind trees and between the LaChance Furniture and TJ & Sons lots, and never heard anything amounting to an update and/or an OK on signal indication, and the trip EB had only occasional static, 0434 being when the 333 WLs were dark.
Further east, the 330.8 WBs showed a Clear for 1 and a Stop for 2, the 330 2 WL with a Slow Approach and the GL and FG WLs dark. At 0446, the FI-1/2 parking spot was MT, and at 0447 came a hint that things must be otherwise open in the yard -- "AY-4, 40." AY-4 countdowns would continue, and at 0452, the EB staggers for Derby seemed dark from Nashua Street.
There were more AY-4 countdowns with a "22K, one-half" thrown in, but unknown if from the yard or San-Vel.
At 0457, D-2 gave a broken 241 to DOBO, location and causation unknown, and AY-4 would continue their activity, D-2 getting the 0520 last words with an OK on signal indication to AYPO.
 #1532650  by jaymac
 
0319-0525/02-03/2020 was more of sounds than sights, starting at 0319 when the P&W dispatcher acknowledged Q427 -- power ID lost -- clear of Barbers and CP45. Never heard the D-3 fulfillment, but it did sound like X7.8 or X6.0 crossing noise ~0230.
Things were strangely silent until 0348 when D-3 OKed AY-3 on signal indication, switching to AY-5 with authority -- time 0349 -- from the San-Vel switch west to WL. 0350 was when the 333 WLs were dark, the pattern of Stops for the 334 ELs and darkness for the 334 stagger and 335s remaining intact.
0401 was when D-3 answered -- surprise -- the FI-Extra, giving some breakage about LaFarge and somewhere else and then a runaround at Camp and AY and Deerfields to go to FMW. There was more, but Mount Wachusett had become a factor. A coupla "AY" hashes emerged, but not enough to be informative.
Up Da Hill, the 345s were and would remain -- for however long -- dark. There was general on the westerly half of Yard 4 and mebbe a few racks on the westerly end of Yard 1 or the Bull Run.
Post offering, the EB trip was almost totally quiet, except for 0412 when D-3 told somebody that if he got any other updates, he'd try to give them a ring. Nothing further to accurately add to that.
At 0425, the 333 WLs continued to save energy, but post a refueling stop, the 330.8 WBs showed a Clear for 1 and a Stop for 2. The 330 2 WL had been at Slow Approach viewed from the Kimball Street sag, but changed to a Slow Clear just west of the Putnam Street lights. a change that might have some connection later on for the EB staggers for Derby.
The GL and FG WLs were dark, and at 0443, the FI-1/2 parking spot was MT. At 0447, there came a clear "AY-4,10," mebbe the source of some of the earlier garbles. At 0450, the EB staggers for Derby showed an Approach for 1 and a Stop for 2, as seen from Nashua Street cuzza bulk hauler busyness in the RVJ yard. A minute later, noise got made, so it was back to the old station for a possible WB on 2. Naught appeared, and the EB staggers were dark before 0459, so musta been an EB, the noise possibly for or from the FI-X or mebbe even an undiscussed FI-2. Didn't hear a marker call, so mebbe a tie-down or 22K holding at Slab City?
In another couple, D-3 and AY-5 started exchanging transmissions, seemingly -- through the static -- a San-Vel status report, with D-3 adding that as soon as 400 got clear, he'd try to get them back to the yard.
At 0505 and for a couple more, there were dueling AY-4/AY-5 car countdowns, and at 0510, a broken something that included "scrap cars." For the next few, naught intelligible was heard.
At 0520, D-3 asked 400 to let him know when they knocked down AY, then at 0522, asked if they were going through AY, correct?. The next heard was at 0525 when D-3 told AY-5 there were OK on signal indication at WL. Dunno if there were "issues" at AY. AYPO? Dunno.

(I may come to regret that I did not make an extra-early trip yesterday just for the 0202/02-02-2020 palindromic+ time/date group.)
 #1532857  by jaymac
 
For 0315-0520/02-05-2020, there were -- as will be seen -- surprises. At 0319, "22K" was heard with naught further to, from, or about that alphanumeric ID for the rest of the trip. 0328 was when D-3 rogered whatever AY-3 had just said, adding an OK on their whatever that now got garbled. 0336 was when AY-3 with the 7595 got a Single-west-to-2-at-312 241. There would be occasional static eruptions but no IDs emerged.
There was -- Hi. Mount Wachusett! -- D-3 garble at 0345, and a minute later the 333 WLs were dark, the usual pattern of Stops for the 334 ELs and darkness for the 334 1 stagger and 335s ensuing.
A surprise came at 0356 just before the Rtes. 31/140 exit to Rte. 2 W -- the 7.8 talker IDed himself and announced he was checking train. Never heard the report, but I woulda been outta range the predictable few later., but still not bad propagation on a wintry-mix morning.
Up Da Hill, the 345 ELs and WLs were ar Stop, and EB KCIRs were holding and obscured in back of a Pratt building and the oil-change shop, racks extending however far west over the Timpany Boulevard UGB.This seemed early for an ED-8. Since some walking and winding was probably in process, I checked out the rest of the yard -- MT -- and went to make an offering of thanks. At 0406, D-3 advised AY-3 that AYPO was already making their double and was up at AY, so he'd hold AY-3 where they were for now and do the same as they did yesterday.
The offering was made, and at 0416, the words went out to EDPO that they were lined for 4 and the derails were down, so it was OK ahead. EDPO with racks? Mebbe there would be no ED-8 today. KCIRs 7655, 7835, and 7500 pulled in on Yard 4 down to the east end, and since there would probably general being set off, as well, I was EB.
On the EB leg, D-3 reached out to AY-3 at 0424, saying he'd start them to West Wye, AYPO being clear. 0430 was when D-3 answered Q 427, but -- you giuessed it -- Mount Wachusett was again a factor, so only "Form D" was clear.
At 0434, the 333 WLs were dark, and further east. the 330.8 WBs showed a Clear for 1 and Stop for 2, the 330 2 WL at Slow Clear There was some unattributable car countdowns going on, and the GL and FG WLs were dark, NewBlue 5930 dark, solo, and facing east in the FI-1/2 parking spot at 0447.
The car countdowns continued, but now "AY-4" was and would continue to be clear.
At 0452, D-3 would OK AYPO up to the Willows, and at 0453, the EB staggers for Derby were dark. AY-4 would continue to be a presence, giving themselves the 0520 end of trip with "AY-4, back."
 #1533257  by jaymac
 
0315-0530/02-10-2020 gave a display of the effects of altitude on precipitation -- 600' or so producing rain, a coupla hundred more more mixed, and more than that the more solid and accumulating variety.
There were random static eruptions until 0333 when D-3 241d AY-3 with the 7535 1 east to 1 at WL. If that seems like a runaround was in process, that's a valid conclusion, D-3 next hedzupping AY-3 that AYPO was beginning their double, but he could get AY-3 headed towards Moores.
At 0338, POED with the 7627 reached out on Channel 2 to D-3, the result being a 2-east-to-2 241 at FG. The airwaves would next be mostly occupied by POED exchanges.
At 0348, the 333 WLs were dark, and at 0350, there was D-3/AYPO garble involving the Wye, and later, the 334 ELs would be at Stop, the 334 1 stagger and 335s dark.
Up Da Hill, the 345s were dark and the yard MT. Main Street hadn't yet been plowed, but the the berms at the crossing from the most recent plowing were intact.
The post-offering-of-thanks trip EB featured the 0419 D-3 hashed repetition of AYPO's train information, followed by the OK to proceed on signal indication at AY, followed by a hedzup to AY-5 that AYPO was coming and that as soon as they were past, D-3 would give AY-3 authority to enter the 2 at San-Vel. What followed next at 0420 was the 346.6 announcing she was working. EDPO or 22K? Dunno, but at 0422, D-3 answered 22K, any immediate further developments to be blocked by the interposition of Mount Wachusett.
At 0431, the 222 WLs were dark, and further east and also after a refueling stop, the 330.8 WBs were both at Clear, a couple later, the 330 1 WL at Slow Clear and the GL WLs dark. At 0448, AY-4 got told something, and a couple later, the FG WL was dark. there being an Approach, however, on the the FG 2 EL cuzza a standing POED with KCIRs 7627, 7528, and 7594 followed by a coupla racks and general extending back into East Side. The FI-1/2 parking spot was MT at 0454, the same time as D-3 and the POED C engaged in a convo, the C walking the set and D-3 advising that 400 would be coming on 1 and asking the C if he wanted noise, the C replying that even though he was on the far side, noise could be made.
The next reception involved Q427 with the CSXT 715 who was clear of Burncoat by marker, Form D G302 being fulfilled at 0458. There was a D-3 question about a New Bond tie-down, further developments getting -- again -- hashed.
At 0501, the EB staggers for Derby seemed dark from Nashua Street, and at 0507, an extended convo with AY-5 and the NS 4257 began, initially granting authority to enter the #2 at San-Vel, moving on in a few to words relayed from the Chief that they were to leave their 23 MTs on 2 between San-Vel and WL, do a runaround to 312 and spot 11 in the yard. It seems like the original plan whad been to bring the MTs to Fitchburg, but cuzza POED still being there, yje plan -- again -- got changed.
AY-4 was the only source of clarity for the balance of the trip.
 #1533526  by jaymac
 
0315-0525/02-12-2020 produced more questions than answers, things being clarity-free until 0345 when there was partial clarity for a 1-east-to-1 241 at AY. More clarity came starting at 0346 when ED-9 with the 7528 gave their train info/update, KCIRs 5948 and 7627, NewBlue 5930, and KCIR 7620 being the trailers. Did the leader ID the power paint schemes? No, but they -- as you'll see later -- did get seen later. there. There was a 0x17 pickup for a total of 4x78, 3574 tons, and 6350'. Included were 34 racks on the rear for a total of 36 racks. 0349 -- to crowd a visual in -- was when the 333 WLs were dark, there being no disruption of the pattern of the 334 ELs at Stop and the 334 1 stagger and 335s dark. D-3 advised that there were 19 racks on 4 at Gardner and 6 freight on 1, the ID now switching to AY-6. At 0351, there would be a discussion about the Gardner activity, ED-9/AY-6 wondering -- even with their quantity of power -- about EDPO and how much of a priority they were and D-3 saying he'd get ED-9/AY-6 to Westminster and to hold for EDPO.
Up Da Hill, the 345s were dark, and at 0405 there was D-3 garble to AY-3 that cleared up enough to hear that AYPO was in the clear and D-3 could get AY-3 in on Track 11. Yard 4 was pretty much FP-FP with the aforementioned racks, the aforementioned freight -- covered hoppers plus an open SSEX scrap high-sider being on the Extension, which is technically 1. The Main Street crossing plow berms had done some melting, but still hadn't been run through.
The 345s were still dark, and the post-offering trip EB produced naught from the 346.6, although a 0415 D-3 garblefest mighta stepped on her. Subsequent non-hearings suggested that the garblefest mighta been D-3 getting AYPO east.
Back at 335, ED-9/AY-6 slowed to a stop on 1 at 0426, Stops being on the 335 ELs. The WLs showed a Stop for the Single and a Medium Approach Slow for the Layover Lead. 400 would get priority. Would 402, too?
At 0438, D-3 fulfilled Form D G301 to Q427 with the CSXT 3106, they being west and clear of Burncoat and tying down at New Bond.
No surprise that the 334 ELs and 1 stagger were at Stop. The marker was a bit east of the westerly end of the platform, and at 0441, the 333 WL showed a Medium Clear for the Controlled Siding, just after AY-4 was clearly IDable.
Further east, the 330.8 WBs showed a Stop for 1 and a Clear for 2, the 330 1 WL at Slow Approach. AY-4 continued their activities, and the GL and FG WLs were dark.
At 0454, the FI-1/2 parking spot was MT -- probably not a surprise since recent FI-1/2 power NewBlue 5930 was waiting at 335 -- and at 0459, the EB staggers for Derby appeared dark from Nashua Street, the RVJ lot being busy.
The FI-1/2 parking spot mighta been MT, but at 0503, another FI-X -- power undisclosed -- reached out to D-3, advising that OX was lined and locked normal for 1 and that they'd do an FG-330 runaround.
Anyone thinking that AY-4 did not provide the last words at 0525 -- the close for an earlier "OK for 60" -- is unaware of what a presence AY-4 is.
 #1533786  by jaymac
 
Dunno if was cuzza Valentines Day, but the timing of events seemed a bit off for 0315-0525/02-14-2020. At 0315, D-3 told somebody -- probably TC T669 as later events would indicate -- that he'd get back in a few. Next came a sometimes-both-sides intelligible convo with Q426 and the CSXT 3456 telling D-3 they were east and clear of MP X25 and D-3 fulfilling their Form D G325 at 0319. It was determined that there would be a 427 recrew at Pine Hill Road, so D-3 would issue 1 form D for the WB leg, requesting that the recrew verify the Form D number and that they call him when west and clear of Burncoat. That done, G303 to CSXT 3285 for MP X25 to Burncoat was made effective at 0319. 427 is frequently west of the X7.8 talker by today's time effective, and crossing noise had woken me up ~2230 on 02-13. Train info? 427 gave it, but I was now in the garble zone, and D-3 acknowledged without repeating.
Things now got -- at least for me -- quiet. At 0353, the 333 WLs were dark, but at both 0354 and 0355, there were D-3 garbles. The 334 ELs were at Stop and the 1 stagger dark, followed at 0358 by D-3 garble to AYPO, followed by darkness on the 335s.
Almost all the way up Da Hill came the sounds of the 346.6 announcing she was on the job, followed by the sights of the 345 ELs at Stop. D-3 next got on the air with TC T669 with apologies for the delay and started issuing Form D G304 for 1 at WL west to ?, the "?" cuz the 346.6 was now telling somebody that their 310 axles had no defects. Since the 345 WLs were now dark, it had to have been a WB, but a WB that had left MT racks on Yard 2. There were more racks on Yard 4, but their status couldn't be determined, nor could it be determined if there might also be some general on 4. The Sameoldsameold Ledger entry had only the plow berms for the Main Street crossing. Yes, they had a fresh coating of snow, but they remained intact.
An offering was made, and the EB leg of the trip undertaken. There was occasional garble, mebbe TC T669 updating on his westerly progress, and at 0421, D-3 talked with the 427 recrew. Naught further was heard to, from, or about 427 during my trip, but there was crossing noise -- X7.8 or mebbe X6.0 -- at 0601.
At 0430, the 333 WLs were dark, and further east and after a refueling stop, the 330.8 WBs showed a Stop for 1 and Clear for 2, the 330 1 WL at Slow Approach.
The GL WLs were dark, and at 0444, AY-4 got heard, 0445 being when D-3 reached out to AY-5, naught further to be heard to, from, or about that alphanumeric ID. 0446 was when TC T669 called clear of Derby on the 1, and a couple later, the FG WLs were dark. At 0449 the FI-1/2 parking spot was again MT, FI-2 being among the unheard to, from, or about. At 0455, the EB staggers for Derby seemed dark from Nashua Street, and TC T669 went unseen.
AY-4 continued their activities, and at 0513, there was a "??PO, 5," probably AYPO since at 0523, D-3 would give them the OK on signal indication at AY, getting the marker ID and confirmation that it was armed, the last reception of today's trip.
AY-3? Dunno.
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