by newpylong
The connector was a simple electric unlock because it was only used sporadically and for a handful of autoracks. They certainly aren't going to have the Conductor hop off and then walk a mile and a half up to the head end twice a day after he normals the switch. I can't see NS coordinating a cab or putting a utilityman there either. The obvious solution is just have NS pay to move the interlocking limits with a power switch. The Selkirk branch isn't cab signaled either is it? NS isn't going to want to run their high priority job at Restricted speed to the next ABS signal either and CSXT won't have a monster crawling through there either. Everybody wins.
As far as the connector itself it is in too poor shape to be used with a quick tie job. The entire thing has to be ripped up and replaced after the roadbed is re-ballasted. There is a huge drop off from the Selkirk sub to the present connector. I think the two railroads should be able to knock out their respective portions fairly quickly once the equipment and materials are staged. We aren't talking Pan Am here, NS and CSX have real construction crews. I am going to make a trip down to check that out when it's done for sure.
I agree, something is going to have to change to get trains more efficiently on and off the Worcester Main. I imagine those details are already worked out, CSX has an incentive now that they'll be owning the property. Lowell or Lawrence will likely become a crew base maybe that will take some of the pressure off of the Worcester area.
As far as the connector itself it is in too poor shape to be used with a quick tie job. The entire thing has to be ripped up and replaced after the roadbed is re-ballasted. There is a huge drop off from the Selkirk sub to the present connector. I think the two railroads should be able to knock out their respective portions fairly quickly once the equipment and materials are staged. We aren't talking Pan Am here, NS and CSX have real construction crews. I am going to make a trip down to check that out when it's done for sure.
I agree, something is going to have to change to get trains more efficiently on and off the Worcester Main. I imagine those details are already worked out, CSX has an incentive now that they'll be owning the property. Lowell or Lawrence will likely become a crew base maybe that will take some of the pressure off of the Worcester area.