PASSING TRAINS PT33; THE OIL TRAIN

With all the hoopla over unit oil trains lately, now one passes through Hillsdale!

This train is short -note the single unit pulling it.

That unit is 1960; the Erie Lackawanna heritage unit.

An old GATX Airslide covered hopper serves as a buffer car on the front end of the train.

The "oil cans" are Trinity Rail Car's latest design, equipped with end shields to help protect against punctures in derailments.

The yard crew waves as they prepare to inspect the train as it rolls past, looking for any problems that may lead to trouble.

While relatively short, the train may seem endless to those watching. How many of those riding past on County Lane or in the buildings alongside are holding their breath at the prospect of a fiery derailment?

The end of the train has another GATX Airslide and a BNSF hopper for rear-end buffer protection.

The train heads out of town, and on its way east to an unloading facility in Delaware.While this train was only 23 cars long, in the future not only will there be more such trains, but they will be a lot longer; 75-100 cars. While the route through Hillsdale was chosen due to the fact it traverses largely rural areas, the onus is still on making sure the AP&W doesn't add to the list of oil train derailments. This route will be inspected more often than required to reduce the likelihood of tragedy.