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Trains News Wire EXCLUSIVE: Canadian National advances Minnesota double track project
I agree with the relevant photo comment, Mr. Holmes. Now, a small map or sketch of the area would be most useful.
I wonder if CN, stands for “Can’t Negotiate” its track.
SP found out about phenomena in train handling, exceeding physical and mechanical limits…I was there for a little bit of the learning process.
After CN got BCRY, a runaway, mountain grade, engine w/o DB’s,
“1.8 % grades and stalls are commonplace.”
“closer to 2% but the alignment would be better.”
Calculating coupler (and knuckle) strength is not magic. Nor does horsepower per ton require some hocus-pocus.
Closer to 2%?
The alignment will be better?
The grade will still require HPT for its %-of grade equivalent.
Thanks for posting the relevant photo to accompany the story. A photo adds to my appreciation of the piece.
CN seems to have made some wise purchases and investment decisions in Duluth and the bigger purchase and investment to get around Chicago. It will be interesting to see if they start double tracking the old IC through Illinois once oil train export capacity out of Alberta ramps up.
This route is at the western end of Duluth, an area of steep bluffs that quickly drops several hundred feet to the level of the St. Louis River. Even if CN could change its right of way, there isn’t enough land there to add switchbacks or use other techniques to significantly reduce the grade. I’ll bet CN even has a few guys who are smart enough to know about coupler strength and horsepower per ton.
This route is at the western end of Duluth, an area of steep bluffs that quickly drops several hundred feet to the level of the St. Louis River. Even if CN could change its right of way, there isn’t enough land there to add switchbacks or use other techniques to significantly reduce the grade. I’ll bet CN even has a few guys who are smart enough to know about coupler strength and horsepower per ton.