Around 1:30 - 2:00pm on March 10, 2011 a train with 2 NS and 3 CSX engines pulling an entire train of CSX/Family Line grain cars was spotted rolling west-bound through St. Cloud, MN. Why was this eastern railroad train here? What was this train’s mission and where did it originate and where is it going to terminate? If anyone could help provide these answers that would be great! Thanks!!
Without knowing any of the particulars…
Going West from the Twin Cities area would most likely mean it was going to a grain processor to load. Presuming that it would be returning to CSX when loaded, you will most likely be eating some of the chickens that the grain fed in the Southeast upon its return to CSX…or any of 1001 other industrial uses for grain.
Run through power is used amongst all the Class I carriers. Not changing power at the point of interchange between the carrirs improves the overall velocity of the trains and increased utilization of all the equipment involved.
Although they were covered hoppers, I’d wager that they were loads of fertilizer. I know that I’ve seen a few of these on the UP in Iowa. Unit trains of CSX covered hoppers with an “O” symbol, O being the symbol for an ore train. I’ve also seen smaller cuts of CSX covered hoppers spotted at farm service facilities for unloading. (At one small facility they pull the frog out of the switch during the off season.)
I remember reading about the “Bone Valley” in Florida where a lot of phosphate is mined/processed. I believe CSX serves this area and I’d further guess that’s where these loads originated.
Those unit trains I’ve seen generally still have CSX engines. Those that travel over the exCNW east/west main will also have a UP leader for cab signal purposes.
Jeff
I was going to say the same, probably fertilizer or potash. Have seen a few of them over the winter here in Chicago heading west on the E-W main. I did BU on the computer and saw they were headed to Iowa. We have had them come up off the CSX Low Line with just CSX power to River Forest or Oak Park. Then the outbound crew will get a UP leader out of the ramp at Proviso and take it down to the train. Same has been true of the last couple ethanol empties, although the one yesterday went into the yard and when I went by last night on my scoot run the CSX power had been pulled off of it. One a side note, we should start getting the usual influx of ammonia cars to the local FS places along the line, which usually happens in late March or April.
Steve
Either Phosphate going to be made into fertilizer, or Fertilizer going to a Farm service center for distribution. The main components of Fertilizer are Phosphorus (from Phosphate), Potassium (from Potash), and Nitrogen (from Anhydrous Ammonia).
Hi, I can’t answer your question, but wanted to [#welcome] you to the forums! In general, we are a friendly and helpful bunch, so jump right in! I’ve found lots of patient, knowledgeable folks here, willing to assist.
Jeff, you are right; CSX is the road that serves Bone Valley. Both SAL & ACL served the area.
some phosphate trains have been having bnsf power come through nw ohio as well.makes csx fun to watch.you never know whats coming next.
stay safe
Joe
Wow…these are all great answers!! Thanks so much for all of your help (and ofcourse if anyone else has additional comments about the original post I would still love to hear about it…very interesting because I have never seen one around here…it was running on a BNSF rail line.) But again, thanks so much for everyone’s help!