Marquette took Harsco Rail's new "Spreader Ditcher" for a test run yesterday between Ludington and Sparta. Fortunately I was able to catch them around the Newaygo/Grant area, but unfortunately I wasn't able to catch the "ditching" in action. Pretty impressive looking piece of equipment, especially because it was brand new. I'm used to seeing Jordan spreaders looking all beat up with faded paint jobs. I don't have much info on the future of this unit, other than what I was told trackside that it is going to be eventually heading to the BN in Montana. Perhaps others with more knowledge can chime in with some info in the near future.
I have a couple of videos as well, but I have no clue how to edit them. Maybe someday I'll learn.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimthias/
GRHC - you know every night I can imagine he is in front of his computer screen sitting in his underwear swearing profusely and drinking Blatz beer combing the RailRoadFan website for grammatical errors.
Okay I'll bite. I was around for the grand push out of the Harsco building. The news paper was there and every Harsco employee just about was standing out on the hills of the old Ludington and Northern Yard. Here are some photos that I managed to take coming out of Harsco and going around the Wye in Ludington. First time in the sun light by miketabone89, on Flickr
The unit paused in the yard to have a job breifing between MOW crews and Train Crews as well as the Harsco engineers. Popping in the sun light by miketabone89, on Flickr
This thing means business! Get out of the way! by miketabone89, on Flickr
Its now gone around the Wye and is east bound. Around the Wye by miketabone89, on Flickr
Looks good. And hey, if the business picks up, can you say MORE Michigan jobs? Last I had heard BNSF was in the process of retiring some of the old ATSF plows as well, so if it works out well might see more of these come out.
I have know about this thing for a few months now. I hear there is another one behind it being built as well. I wish I was in town this week to catch it..
I am a little disappointed that they did not keep the Jordan name on the sides...but atleast they are still making them. I know they have there records going way back. Spreaders are making a big comeback. CP is rebuilding several older air machines to hydraulic, UP has rebuilt 7 of them from the frame up, and apparently BN is doing a few in house now as well.
Raildudes dad wrote:I heard from a reliable source the next one is for tor the Long Island RR and more are on the order book
That is true-Don't like speculating until signed orders are in hand. BNSF has firmed up pricing on more spreaders for the future. Hopefully others follow in hand.
Still hoping for Stoneblowers for the Ludington shop for the UK.
J T wrote:I have a couple of videos as well, but I have no clue how to edit them. Maybe someday I'll learn.
Well alright, I learned how to edit video. And if you don't like the music, mute it!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimthias/
GRHC - you know every night I can imagine he is in front of his computer screen sitting in his underwear swearing profusely and drinking Blatz beer combing the RailRoadFan website for grammatical errors.
CAT345C wrote:Wheres the video of me freezing my butt off the other day?
You appear around 1:10, 5:27 and then at 5:52. Dude, you are like the star of my vids!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimthias/
GRHC - you know every night I can imagine he is in front of his computer screen sitting in his underwear swearing profusely and drinking Blatz beer combing the RailRoadFan website for grammatical errors.
I think I stopped recording before the brakes were applied.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jimthias/
GRHC - you know every night I can imagine he is in front of his computer screen sitting in his underwear swearing profusely and drinking Blatz beer combing the RailRoadFan website for grammatical errors.