Are snow plows really gone from the tracks?

[RRKen]

The report, sadly, is true. Most modern conglamorate Class 1’s have either relocated thier tracks to areas where it doesn’t snow (eliminating all grade crossings in the process) or have built snowsheds over the tracks.

Is that right? Since when? What class one’s are you refering to?

We run plow extras all winter. Both on the branch and Spine Line. Those Jordans are getting quite the workout this winter. Only the wedge has not run so far, but we still have a few months to go. they even had to run plows on the Overland Route in Iowa because of the blowing and drifting. So yes, they do run plows, and keep them at the ready!

[RRKen]

Paul North noted that snowplows in many places might only be used once in five or ten years - which is true.

One other truth. A railroad snowplow is like a fire brigade. It may not be needed often, but when it is needed, it’s needed NOW!!!

Chuck

I have been here since 1996, and I cannot think of one winter when the ditchers sat idle. Worst I have seen is 15 footers in Welcome, MN, it took a few passes to get through it. We have ditchers on all lines in Iowa/Minnesota. Two Jordans at Mason City, one at Mankato, one at Des Moines, one at Eagle Grove, a wedge in Mason City, and I am not sure what they have in Sioux City. That does not include snow gooses, truck mounted “Air Forced One’s”, and truck mounted plows.

Step out of what ever you live in and look at the real world where we have all four seasons.

[Anonymous]

Here in South Texas we have two seasons: Summer and January.

[henry6]

The report, sadly, is true. Most modern conglamorate Class 1’s have either relocated thier tracks to areas where it doesn’t snow (eliminating all grade crossings in the process) or have built snowsheds over the tracks.

Is that right? Since when? What class one’s are you refering to?

We run plow extras all winter. Both on the branch and Spine Line. Those Jordans are getting quite the workout this winter. Only the wedge has not run so far, but we still have a few months to go. they even had to run plows on the Overland Route in Iowa because of the blowing and drifting. So yes, they do run plows, and keep them at the ready!

Seriously, RRKen, is that right? Gee! By the way did you read my other post in this thread or just this one? Seriously!

[tomikawaTT]

Paul North noted that snowplows in many places might only be used once in five or ten years - which is true.

One other truth. A railroad snowplow is like a fire brigade. It may not be needed often, but when it is needed, it’s needed NOW!!!

Chuck

I have been here since 1996, and I cannot think of one winter when the ditchers sat idle. Worst I have seen is 15 footers in Welcome, MN, it took a few passes to get through it. We have ditchers on all lines in Iowa/Minnesota. Two Jordans at Mason City, one at Mankato, one at Des Moines, one at Eagle Grove, a wedge in Mason City, and I am not sure what they have in Sioux City. That does not include snow gooses, truck mounted “Air Forced One’s”, and truck mounted plows.

Step out of what ever you live in and look at the real world where we have all four seasons.

Where I live now, you won’t need a plow between Las Vegas and Barstow very often. North out of Las Vegas, through Caliente (which isn’t, at this time of year) and on into Utah…

I have lived in Rapid City, SD (The C&NW kept a wedge plow at the old roundhouse) and have driven through Wyoming in blizzards, not once but several times.

I am also a native New Yorker. In my experience New York Snow is wetter and heavier than South Dakota snow.

Since I think that snow looks great on Christmas cards and distant mountains, I chose a spot where I can expect to avoid more intimate contact. Judging by the number of New York accents I’ve encountered here and in Florida, and the snowbird population of Tucson, a lot of other people have made the same decision. (One thing I was glad to leave with the people who bought my house in Tennessee was the snow shovel.)

Of course, I’ve also served in Thailand, where the