IN THE YARDS PT27

Union Pacific SD70M 4908 sits in the yard one afternoon. Part of the UP's order for 1000 units, the "flared" radiators show that this is one of the later units in the order, built in 2003.

This rooftop view shows that the unit has recently been updated with PTC (Positive Train Control) equipment.

Behind the 4908, are two Trinity pressure differential covered hoppers, loaded with flour for Johnson Foods.

This side view shows the outlet gates and associated piping. A "pressure differential" car works by connecting air to the piping and pressurizing the interior of the car. The difference in air pressure between inside and outside the car then forces the contents of the car out through the outlet gates. This design makes it suitable for powdery materials, such as flour and corn starch, both in high demand by food processing plants, such as Johnson Foods. And with a huge 5660 cubic foot capacity, it can carry a lot of either product!

At the ready are a trio of MOW trucks sitting in the lot at the east end of the yard. Note that only the pickup is equipped with Hi-Rails. Behind the trucks is a backhoe and an old semi used mainly for hauling old ties to local gardening centers and the Lowe's in Dale City, but from time to time it also hauls replacement wheelsets and trucks to and from the shops in Cumberland. The line of parked cars belong to the shop and yard employees.

PASSING TRAINS PT35, RETURN OF THE AMERICA UNITS

The America Units are back, returning from Baltimore...

Returning in reverse order -the units weren't turned in Baltimore- 1976 now leads the charge back to Chicago, with DBC-47.

The train is billed as a "mixed intermodal", and here is the "mixed" part; a string of AP&W Auto-Max car carriers on the head end! The lead car has the new "star" logo.

The other cars have the older "AUTO-MAX" logo. Some also have graffiti.

The cars are headed back to the Midwest to be forwarded to various assembly plants for reloading, although the manifest lists several of these cars as being loaded with new Jaguars!

On past downtown.

While the train is long, the yard is nearly empty!

Tacked in behind the auto carriers are the normal double-stacks, this time with a nice variety of EMP containers.

White containers are mixed in with the green ones, as a yard worker does a visual inspection of the train as it passes by.

Two green containers with two different body styles and even two different logo locations! EMP was originated between the Union Pacific (the yellow), Norfolk Southern (the black), and Conrail (the blue), hence the colors of the logo. The AP&W joined after the split-up of Conrail between NS and CSX. The AP&W still operates its own containers services as well; SCSU and CIE Intermodal, a subsidiary of its CIE Trucking arm.

PASSING TRAINS PT34

The unit oil train is back, and now a regular visitor to Hillsdale!

This time, two engines are on the point; AC4400's 8919 and 8900.

The string of empty 31,000 gallon tank cars. This train is OM518; Oil Movement, Baltimore to Chicago. The loaded eastbound train is OM519.

The three hoppers on the point are "buffer cars", required for unit trains of oil and ethanol tank cars. They provide separation -and therefor safety- between the crew and the flammable cargo.

The long black string snakes around the curve and out of town.

The tail end features two more covered hoppers in "buffer car" service; a pair of BNSF hoppers, appropriate since this train is received from the BNSF in Chicago.

HAPPY 4th OF JULY

If it's the Fourth of July, the America units should be in action!

Lugging CDB47 as usual, the trio rolls into town.

Three GE's in red, white and blue, adorned with flags, stars, and a military logo. All proudly lettered "United States of America". Does it get any more patriotic than this?

The first set of containers are brand-new FedEx Intermodal boxes. 

Next is a string of JB Hunt boxes, including one of the newer JB Hunt Intermodal units.

A number of UPS boxes are also in the  train, including these 28' units in specialized well cars. UPS is the only user of 28' containers; Burlington Northern experimented with them during the early 90's, but wound up selling their fleet to UPS.

The last of the containers are these Swift Intermodal boxes.

Following the Swift boxes are the Swift vans on spine cars.

Among the trailers are these two Martin reefer vans. With a shortage of drivers across the nation, Martin is one of an increasing number of trucking companies going intermodal.

Another trucking company now using the rails is England; these reefers are part of its new intermodal division. They also have 53' refrigerated containers that ride the rails as well (stay tuned).

The last trailer is an AP&W van. With the growth in domestic 53' container traffic, most railroads now only offer containers instead of trailers;  the AP&W is the last holdout.