PASSING TRAINS PT55 (1)

Another new transformer is on the move through Hillsdale...

The short, slow-moving train -8678 Extra- enters the yard limits, led by SD70MAC 8678. Today, it will stop for a meet with another train.

The support container travels in a well-car this time, instead of on the usual flatcar. While the use of a well car is unusual, it is a "retired" 48' all-purpose well car, soon to be rebuilt into a longer 53' unit to handle the new standard in domestic containers. Behind it is a HDTX caboose, one of two that travel with the Schnabel car.

An empty TTX heavy-duty flatcar is used as a spacer car. While well-maintained, the deck still shows some rust.

The star of the show is the massive Schnabel car, with its equally massive 300 ton transformer suspended between its two halves.

Bringing up the rear is another heavy-duty flatcar, this one a depressed-center car, followed by the other caboose.

The other train, OM518, rolls under the bridge into town. More on this train next week...