I have a question regarding train symbols. If a train travels outside it’s normal route, does it get another symbol or does it maintain it’s normal one.
For example, there’s a CSX branch line that runs through my town. The train that runs the line is symboled D733 and runs between Rockwood ¶ and Johnstown ¶ on the branchline. However, there are times it makes a run to Connellsville on the Keystone Sub (mainline). Is the train then given a new symbol for it’s trip on the mainline to Connellsville or does it still maintain D733?
The two locals that usually run in my area always have the same symbols, regardless of where they are headed or what they are doing that day. I should think that once a train starts with a symbol, it keeps that symbol start to finish. CSX now appends the date to the symbol here, so it’s possible you could theoretically have Q622-7, Q622-8, and Q622-9 running on each others heels if there was a backup for some reason.
Thanks for the reply. I hate to sound dense, but in your example, I don’t see how the date is used. I’m guessing Q622 is the train number but the -7, -8, -9 looks like CSX just appends a number, in succession if things are backed up.
Firs off, thanks for the reply but thank you for your work in Iraq. Hope things are progressing well.
Ok, I’m a bit confused. I thought train symbols identified where trains run. For example, the “oil cans” that SP once ran had a train symbol of BKDOU (BaKersfield-DOlores Yard Unit). I thought Bakersfield (BK) was the point of origin and Dolores (DO) was the destination. Wouldn’t that be more indicative of where the train ran rather than what it does?
Thanks again for the reply and your work in Iraq. Stay safe!
I believe it is a different story when a train has to leave it’s railroad of origin. Then it takes a new symbol designated by the new home road.
Along the Mississippi, the CP and BNSF have parallel routes on opposite banks. If there is a blockage on either main, the other road can be rerouted (traffic levels permitting). When this happens, a new symbol in the other road’s system is assigned for the portion of the trip, until it returns to it’s home road, and resumes under it’s original symbol.
The thing is that the “national” roads (BNSF, CP, UP, CSX, NS, CN) don’t use exactly the same schemes to designate trains. They may have the same information, but they need to be translated into the local “dialect”.
<<Ok, I’m a bit confused. I thought train symbols identified where trains run. For example, the “oil cans” that SP once ran had a train symbol of BKDOU (BaKersfield-DOlores Yard Unit). I thought Bakersfield (BK) was the point of origin and Dolores (DO) was the destination. Wouldn’t that be more indicative of where the train ran rather than what it does?
Thanks again for the reply and your work in Iraq. Stay safe!
Brian>>
On the UP at least, your assumption is correct. On main line trains the symbol is Initial Terminal (point of origin) to final terminal) point of termination). IOALB would be “Intermodal, Oakland to Long Beach” ( Or ICTF, depending on what the wheel shows.)
On the old Southern Pacific the route was part of the symbol. An example would be 1LABRF3(K)07 and 1LABRF2(K)07. One symbol has the train on the coastline and the other would run on the Saugas Lne.
CSX does not use a dash. The date is shown by 01 through 31 after the train number for each day of the month as in Q62209. Some locals use the same train number even though they go to different places some days.