I was out train chasing yesterday for the first time in a week, and while driving past Metro East Industies in Alorton, IL, I thought I saw some thing that just did not look right sitting on the interchange track of MEI to the Alton and Southern, and lo-and-behold, there she stood, UP 1995, Chicago and Northwestern Heritage Unit. I inquired about why it was in Metro East, and it was sent there from Proviso and her normal duties on the MPRCB after ther A/C system malfunctioned, basically, rendering the 1995 as a Bad Order. I got some great video and with this unit, it makes the 3rd heritage unit I have on video, along with UP 1982 and UP 1988.
AS of right now, the UP 1995 is sitting at Alton and Southerns Gateway yard preparing for the return trip on MASYC-18.
It’s not at Metro East for Air Conditioner Work. That was reported fixed at Proviso about 2 or 3 weeks ago. It was sent there for routine Warranty-Related EMD Maintenence. It should be back on the move by early next week. It’s not at VMV, trust me. I know somebody who just got back from there and was very disappointed. Quite a few of the EMD Tier-II locomotives from UP and NS have vistied Metro East for EMD Warranty Work. It had been off of the MPRCB/MCBPR cycle about 2 weeks ago when it went to either Valley Park, MN or St. Paul on that trip 8646 had to lead it, that’s when the A/C went out. I bet that was exciting video–stopped.
UP 1982 Empty Departed Benton Jct., IL August 18 21:17 Scheduled Arrival Pine Bluff SSW, AR August 19 11:18
UP 1988 Empty Departed Benton Jct., IL August 18 21:17 Scheduled Arrival Pine Bluff SSW, AR August 19 11:18
They’re on the MCHPB 17 Manifest from Clearing, IL to Pine Bluff SSW, AR.
UP 1995 Load Placed at Customer East St. Louis, IL on ALS August 16 06:20
That doesn’t sound like it’s on the next train out of town to me, we’ll see.
P.S. I just talked to somebody with UP who checked on it using the official UP computors, it said nothing about air conditioning, however, it did mention the heater. I imagine this is warranty work to help get it ready for winter.
Okay, first off you guys are very lucky to have seen any of these engines, and next, what are you guys talking about when you say that the “computer” tells where they are? What are you talking about? Is there a website that tells you the location of each engine?
As of today, it still shows at VMV (however, I believe those who say it isn’t there). But there’s been no change in location–on the computer, anyway–since the 16th. I don’t know how to access information about defects or problems.
They’re a bunch of trekkie fans… “Computer, check the status of UP Heritage Unit 1995” A nice pleasant sounding female, or feminine male voice in their case comes back… “UP unit 1995 is in Paducah, KY awaiting travel on MLGL:KJDS:LUJFOIUJ-19 back to Proviso, IL”
CShaveRR asked: Does the railroad know where its engine is? The computer shows it at VMV in Paducah. Damn sure the UP knows where it is - and is none too happy that a new “eyecatcher” sometimes spelled HERITAGE is on the sidelines. I’ve known for over a week that it was NOT in KY - but the source who told me it was @ MEI was not their employee. The AC was one problem being addressed - sounds like there may have been other gremlins examined as well.
Do define “special access.” It’s who you know and who tells you the phone numbers (or allows you to use their shipper accounts) They have special access, most foamers are just lucky. Anyway, www.drgw.net has a public trace for select units.