I remember we talked of CN switching Ralston in Battle Creek, Well, Here's how they move the cars after they get them.
![Image](http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af169/JUST_AARON/IMG_9962.jpg)
![Image](http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af169/JUST_AARON/IMG_9964.jpg)
![Image](http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af169/JUST_AARON/IMG_9965.jpg)
![Image](http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af169/JUST_AARON/IMG_9967.jpg)
I beleive they get switched every few days or so. Not exactly sure of the schedule.redside20 wrote:nice pics Aaron. how often does Ralston get switched again?
Don't be too sure on that AARR, they often have several hoppers on the north side of the building, and apparently they can move them around at their leisure!AARR wrote:I think the unloading shed holds only one or two cars and rarely are more cars seen on the sput outside the building so I don't think they get too many cars.
I've notice the eastbound from Jackson has a nice sized block of those UP and family covered hoppers in their consists just about every trip. I've wondered where those cars go. From Aaron's picture I see at least a few of them go to Ralston.Ben Higdon wrote:Don't be too sure on that AARR, they often have several hoppers on the north side of the building, and apparently they can move them around at their leisure!AARR wrote:I think the unloading shed holds only one or two cars and rarely are more cars seen on the sput outside the building so I don't think they get too many cars.
Buster Manning wrote:Ralstons' get their cars delivered by CN; all those UP and BNSF family cars are either going to Kelloggs' or Post.
So CN must be delivering UP family covered hoppers too. The UP cars coming in on NS from Jackson must be going to Kellogg's, Post, or maybe to Augusta.JUST AARON wrote:Buster Manning wrote:Ralstons' get their cars delivered by CN; all those UP and BNSF family cars are either going to Kelloggs' or Post.
I think AARR is refering to the fact that the photo's above show a UP coverd hopper at Ralstons.
I agree on the territorial thing but if that is true then how does the NS get into Post ? I didn't see any swtiches between Porter street and Grenville street like there used to be. When there was a diamond and Nichols Tower was in place there was a set of crossovers from Post to #2 main and from#2 to #1 main to the switch just east of the crossing at Michigan Ave and into HinmanI wouldn't think CN would let NS switch Ralstons just because they happen to go by there on trackage rights--typically rr's are pretty territorial when it comes to their customers, more so if they have a substantial long haul--$$$$$$
The switchback to reach the south side of Ralstons is the former Moscow Branch, ex DT&M, MC, NYC, PC, CR, NS. Its NS unless Ralston bought the trackage. The sidings into the north side of Ralston were GTW/CN.Buster Manning wrote:I wouldn't think CN would let NS switch Ralstons just because they happen to go by there on trackage rights-
tazer wrote:The NS B-16 usually heads for BC after they finish at Albion. I went by Hinman Yard last Sunday and there were two NS units parked there so maybe they tied up there for the weekend
The NS could spot a car in Ralstons just as easy as the CN does all they would have to have is permission from the CN and the peoper switch key.
At one time there was a switch engine that did all the work there as part of the city job for Conrail . There was even a curfew at around 3:00 pm and switching operations were not allowed to block city streets during the times that the factories let out
Your picture is much better than mine, I shot mine through the windshield so it's a little fuzzy looking.by JUST AARON on Sun Mar 14, 2010 9:41 pm
tazer wrote:
The NS B-16 usually heads for BC after they finish at Albion. I went by Hinman Yard last Sunday and there were two NS units parked there so maybe they tied up there for the weekend
The NS could spot a car in Ralstons just as easy as the CN does all they would have to have is permission from the CN and the peoper switch key.
At one time there was a switch engine that did all the work there as part of the city job for Conrail . There was even a curfew at around 3:00 pm and switching operations were not allowed to block city streets during the times that the factories let out
Hinman Yard nearly ALWAYs has at least TWO GP's at all times. Lately its been 5555 and 7111. They have been there for a week or so.