PASSING TRAINS PT 20; SND40 PT3

 SND40 continues...

As seen last week, unit 1976 is the mi-train helper, instead of its usual position on the head-end. The AP&W, like most other major railroads, is experimenting with Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR). Hence, SND40 is almost two trains combined into one -the second train being the spine cars following 1976.

Clean trailers contrast with a grimy spine car, as the "second half" of the train rolls through.

Another dirty spine car, with a pair of clean trailers.

It's not just trailers, containers ride modern day spines too!

More trailers and containers. The second half of the train is all spine cars. While other roads may mix spines and stacks together, the AP&W rarely does, due to the much lighter weight of the spine cars. This is also why 1976 is mid-train instead of at the rear, pushing.

Occasionally, containers ride on chassis in trains, like this one is doing. That spine car won't stay clean for long!

The EOT flashes as SND40 rolls through -and out of- Hillsdale. The shop worker is a bit too close to the tracks -the train rolled through at 50 mph!