"The Loop" - E. Deerfield

FWIW

ED-2 was scheduled to go "south" over the "loop" today (3-2) with one unit, ED-4, also with one unit, was assigned to the same train as a pusher. I didn't count, but guesstimate 40+/- cars in the train. The train stalled with ED-4 stopped at the signal at the loop connection with the EB/WB main. The hump switcher, with two units, was called to push the pusher. Took four units to get the train up the loop and southbound.

Lol sweet move. 1 unit alone isnt enough to pull 20 loads over the loop, I wonder how 2 units and 40 loads works any better...

stupid question.

What exactly is the loop?

Hi Lou,

The East Deerfield or Conn River Loop is a connecting track from CPF384 (East Deerfield West) on the Freight Main to CPR35 (Deerfield Junction) on the Conn River. It is a way for trains to go south on the Conn River from Deerfield or come into the yard from the Conn River heading north. ED2, EDPL/PLED/PL1, P&W Mt. Tom Coal trains use this track. Heading out of the yard it is very steep - usually one GP40 is only good for 15 loads or so. It is common place for them to try to send either ED2 or EDPL up without sufficient power, causing the west end of the yard to be tied up and another crew needing to stop what they are doing to provide a push. Some good "old timer" hoggers got a head start to make sure they didn't stall.

The track is considered a mainline, is rule 261/CTC and is time table speed - 8 mph, yup 8. A while ago it was 10 but they had a good derailment that was said to havebeen caused by plastic centerflow hoppers that would jump on the curves higher than 8 mph. The wood jacking blocks that they used to rerail are still on either side of the loop at one spot.

I hope this helps,