Anybody have a pointer to BNSF symbols? I have the general format, e.g. a leading “E” means empty coal train, a leading “C” means loaded, etc.
I’m actually starting to pay attention to my scanner instead of just using it as a detector. Thanks.
Coal
Rodney
If memory serves me right I believe BNSF uses the Alpha-Numaric system the same as Union Pacific. I personally don’t know how to read all of their train symbols, I would like to know how this is done.
I do know how to read CSX’s symbols though [:)]
BNSF train smbols use alpha and numeric symbols, first letter is the type of train, i.e. A=amtrak, B=baretable, etc, next three are origin city and next three destination city, next number is priority of train 1=normal 9=highest, next two are the day of the month, 01 first day of month, 13=thirteenth of the month, coal trains use the numbers for which section, 1st through whatever section that the power plant gets, than a final letter designating which section of the train A=first section and so on, and there are some other meanings to it also.
So a symbol for BNSF might be Z WSPALT9 09A This would be a Z train from willow springs, IL to Alliance Texas, 9 meaning high priority, 09 9th day of the month A first section.
I hope this helps, there are some other meanings with certain symbols but I dont have the definitions in front of me.
So, is the date the day the first crew was called,( or the day the train was first scheduled to travel?) and follows the train all the way to completion, or does it change with the calander?
The train symoble stays the untill the train reaches it’s final terminal.
Rodney
I wasn’t clear. What I’m looking for is the symbols for stations / terminals. For example, I believe “EOS” is Eola, Illinois. Specifically, I’m trying to figure out what “SCM” is. The train was
E EOS SCM which was Empty coal train, Eola to ???
Thanks.
The current symbol format was adopted in 1997. It has to be the most silly of any rr. Then again we are talking about the old BN here. It was their idea.
SCM = Spring Creek Mine.
This is what you’re looking for:
Not trying to be nit-picking, but the two websites are not fully complete, there are some stations not listed on there such AMS Amarillo south yard, Texas, but most are there.
Yeah, but they’re better than nothing!
Alpha-numeric symbols are easier to figure out when you have 2 or 3 letters per town, as opposed to memorizing numbers and putting route end points with them.
Summary of Trains by Type*:*
|
Type Description |
Type Description |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A - AMTRAK |
N - Hrs Serv Relief Crew |
|||
|
B - Bare Table Flat |
O - Officers Special |
|||
|
C - Loaded Unit Coal |
Bingo! Thank you, sir.
[quote user=“UPTRAIN”]
Alpha-numeric symbols are easier to figure out when you have 2 or 3 letters per town, as opposed to memorizing numbers and putting route end points with them.
Summary of Trains by Type*:*
|
Type Description |
Type Description |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
A - AMTRAK |
N - Hrs Serv Relief Crew |
|||
|
B - Bare Table Flat |
O - Officers Special |
|||
|
C - Loaded Unit Coal |
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