CPKC has improved its portion to Myrtlewood. Called Haverty subdivision. Much of the line is now max speed of 40 with a few sections still 25 and less than 5 miles of 10 MPH running. CSX much less with very little 40 mostly close to Montgomery other wise 25 and 10 MPH max speeds. Called Selma subdivision. Open railway map is a little ambiguous but there are several spots still at 10 for both carriers that might be future sidings. No signaling is shown on any of the tracks.
One other note the CPKC line west of Meridian has a 55 MPH max at places where as CSX north of Montgomery has max speeds of 50 MPH. Both those routes have PTC.
The entire M&B is still a work in progress. CPKC I’ve recently heard has finally just sent two CWR trains to lay new rail on their portion of the route. Granted it’s on 52 miles, but so far all they’ve done is tamp track and replace ties. As of the latest street views they’re still mostly using jointed rail on their portion.
CSX on the other hand has been sending a lot of CWR trains over the past 2 years. I think they’ve sent over a dozen since they have over 107 miles to upgrade. I know two rail trains were sent last month. There are still quite a few bridges that need rehabilitation on both railroads.
There is talk that CSX is going install a new siding west of Selma on one end of the line and extend another siding near the Montgomery side. If true, this will greatly help with traffic flow as it’ll give the line two areas for trains to meet.
CPKC says the entire line should be up to 49mph by January of next year. I’ll believe that when I see it though.
[AuTiger19] Thanks for the report. As you know welded rail laying is the last item on first pass of repair. The speed up as I noted have come probably from laying out new ties and dropping loads of new ballast & tamping. Installing new ties and tamping will get rid of the dips that the M&B had that is noted by the increase of speeds on both RRs. Then the placing of welded rail and new rail plate storage for the heavier welded rail installation appears to now be near. Once the new rail and tie plates are installed that will call for several passes of the tampers and additional ballast. Then CPKC will have their 49 MPH rail line?
Wonder if the new planned CSX sidings will have the sidings be isolated CTC controlled sidings to prevent any T&E from having to manhandle the turnouts? Those siding could either be tone operated or maybe dispatcher controlled if CSX is planning the quickly convert the whole line to CTC - PTC?
If I remember will check in JAN for MAX speeds.
CSX at many locations use Radio Controlled switches, where in the crews dial a tone over their radio on the locomotive to throw a switch normal or reverse as directed by the Train Dispatcher for the operation of their train in dark TWC territory. I believe this is integrated in PTC territories when necessary.