North Jersey Coast Line Thread

[R36 Combine Coach]

The Comet IVs didn't run very well in mixed Comet sets apparently. In addition, the cars need their cab signals upgraded to comply with Amtrak standards.

I've seen Comet IVs lead mixed trains with IIMs, but not Vs often. There was only a brief period (1996-97 to 2001-02) when solid Comet IV consists did occur regularly, before all IIs and IIBs were rebuilt and first Vs delivered. The solid trains were usually Midtown Direct, with some NEC and Coast Line push-pulls with ALP44s.

[NJT4149]

Last night, I saw something I had never seen before: a Geep leading a revenue train LHF! That unit, 4216, is still around, but is now coupled to the consist normally.

[GSC]

Saw that same train on the return trip to Long Branch. Looked proper "pushing" SHF.

Great low "boat whistle" horn on 4216. Still down here in regular use.

[joesirr]

...
Anyone know where this detector is? "Milepost Four Point Zero". My Google fu isn't working today. Thanks.

Milepost E4.0 - it's pretty self explanatory where its at. Hot bearing and/or dragging equipment detector.

So. I know what a detector is and where this one is but I'm still confused. E 4.0 says Track 1 AND Track 2. When I look at the aerial view I only see 1 EB and 1 WB. Thanks!

[cobra30689]

Last night, I saw something I had never seen before: a Geep leading a revenue train LHF! That unit, 4216, is still around, but is now coupled to the consist normally.

Common practice back in the CNJ (and up to early NJT) days. The GP40P's had dual control stands, and would commonly run west from Harrison to Bay Head long hood forward. Saw it many a time as a kid. I don't know when the second control stand was taken out. Towards the mid '80's you saw a lot of back to back Geeps (presumably the ex-PC units) on the 5300 trains....for whatever reason the CNJ units usually ran single.

[R&DB]

"Common practice back in the CNJ"
In early diesel days on the CNJ many crews preferred LHF. They were used to having that big steam boiler in front of them and felt safer with LHF.

[NJT4149]

Power assigned to Bay Head as of yesterday was:
4216 + 4PP (cab car: 6039)
4003 + 5PP (cab car: 6061)
4014 + 4 PP (cab car: 6015)
4517 + 8EP (cab car: 6027)
4506 + 8DM (cab car: 7000)
4533 + 8DM (cab car: 7051)

[Zuccaraillo]

What exactly doesn't PP, EP, and DM stand for?

Edit: 4216 spotted on 2303 today.

[NJT4149]

What exactly doesn't PP, EP, and DM stand for?

Edit: 4216 spotted on 2303 today.

PP stands for push-pull, EP means Comet set (sometimes the Bay Head line up sheets list the 3312/3361 set as either DP or EP), and DM stands for Multilevels (that is also interchangeable with “ML” on the sheets).

[trainster78]

4216 running on 2303 today, possibly on 2312 tomorrow.

Also, ALP-45DP 4523 may have been shopped for a smashed left headlight.

[Zuccaraillo]

Metro-North Comet V cab car spotted at Newark Penn with 2 ALP-46s pulling it and a Comet IV. Maybe it should be on the NEC Line discussion thread if it exists.

[trainster78]

4216 was on 2303 and will be running the shuttles or LB Protect this weekend, also 4618, a beat up ALP-46 with a steel bell, is also wondering the Coast Line. Spotted it trailing 3247 and leading 3260.

Note: Due to construction, all southbound trains after the morning rush up until train 2303 will use the northbound track/platform from Red Bank - south. This is due to I believe track work outside of Little Silver. This started earlier this week and not sure how long it'll last.

[GSC]

"Common practice back in the CNJ"
In early diesel days on the CNJ many crews preferred LHF. They were used to having that big steam boiler in front of them and felt safer with LHF.

When the CNJ ran the blue 3600-series Geep 40s LHF, the horns only faced the short end. They could sneak up on grade crossings. As far as which end was leading, they seemed random. One train SHF, the next LHF.

[GSC]

No one has answered this so far.

Evening westbound 8-car ML trains hit Bradley Beach around 10 minutes to the hour. Around 10-12 minutes later a 4-car Comet train follows. Where does the second train originate? LB shuttle? For those who missed the ML? Quite a few passengers get off the 4-car train. Seems like overkill as the 8-car MLs are almost empty by the time they hit Bradley Beach.

[NJT4149]

The MM-08 was at work again last night in Bay Head, this time using MP20B-3 #1004 to swap two cars and remove a Multilevel from a set. Pictures and video will come soon...