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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.

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.

It is heading for Marais Pass/ Essex Mt. for the BNSF railway.

I heard from a reliable source the next one is for tor the Long Island RR and more are on the order book

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 the same thing I heard from another reliable source.

C&O

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.

whats the price tag?

Proto48Patrick wrote:whats the price tag?

If you have to ask, you can't afford it.

...but I'd like to know too.

Im sure its more expensive than a "Z job"
lol

I really don't think any of the employees are susposed to discuss that. I don't want to get in trouble putting it on an open forum.

Hopefully next time they'll haul it south in the proper direction next time LOL.

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!

Wheres the video of me freezing my butt off the other day?

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!

Surprised the brakes weren't louder on the G&W 3003 GRDBAL-30 when they were light power.....

I think I stopped recording before the brakes were applied.

Awesome clip of the road train meeting the plow special. Probably the first meet in Grant for a LONG time.

J T wrote: And if you don't like the music, mute it!

You should have seen the awesome dance moves my 3 year old was doing to your music J T