Saturday Mar 29 2008
A Few Minutes Well Spent
The weather was not the greatest on Saturday, but a brief stop at Judd siding on the Baird Sub 70 miles west of Fort Worth proved to be worthwhile regardless. An eastbound BNSF train was heard on the radio calling signals to enter the west end of the siding, and it turned out to be a manifest train with an ex-BN SD60M leading.
Judy and I drove back to the crossing just east of the siding, and the radio now informed us of the approach of two westbound UP trains, the first of which already had a green board to proceed on.
Within minutes the UP 7657 came around the “S” curve making every bit of 50 or better.
After the double stacks a cut of UPS trailers indicated this was a “Z” train on its way to California.
Ten minutes later the UP 8313 west followed the previous GEVO with an ACe leading, also at track speed.
With only three units up front and a seemingly endless train behind, I suspected a DPU might be in store for me, and I was right as the UP 7815 roared by shoving hard on the rear.
Now it was the BNSF manifest train’s turn to head on towards Fort Worth, and I set up for the nose view highlighting the undisturbed BN logo.
Not bad for a twenty-two minute railfanning window!
