I just read in the most recent Northwestern Lines (C&NW Historical Society) that 57 new ethanol tank cars are being stored on the Boone & Scenic Valley (Boone, IA). The reason cited is a “slump in production”. I quote that from pg. 4 of the North Western Newsliner insert (2008, Number 2).
Slump? In Iowa? Anyone know if demand is decreasing?
It’s possible the tank cars were ordered based upon projected volumes of plants under construction. All plans look good on paper. In real life construction projects, things aren’t always where they are supposed to be and delays are a fact of life. Is there an ethanol plant in the area that isn’t on-line on-time?
Often new freight cars will be stored and delivered as a complete lot. I can only speculate as to why, but imagine it has to do with how they are financed.
John Timm
Unless they have tank cars stuck somewhere else, the stored cars are actually covered hoppers for DDG service.
Another list said something about the owners/leasees of the cars weren’t ready to take delivery.
For awhile, the elevator tracks at Beaver, Iowa (on the UP) had ethanol tank cars (new I think) stored there.
Jeff
The Riverport Railroad is storing a bunch of UTLX ethonal tanks at the old Proving Grounds Army Depot north of Savanna, IL. They’ve been storing some newer CITX hoppers as well, BNSF keeps bringin them stuff to store.