274 - Countdown continues

I did manage a minimum Bicycle ride in Helena before going to work. I could see the backside of this Church (file photo) for more of another bicycle tour in Helena go here

In the Hotel van a Pilot asked us how long we have been running trains? Adam said 7 years I said 41 years that was fun.

Robert Banks Empty coal today. Parked it at Elton. I don't know why. Cut off two of the lead units leaving one on the train for air. Had to be done to cut the crossing at the east end. It wasn't that good of trip (8'30") considering we rode in the deadhead van for 90 miles.
We waited a bit before leaving Helena because 33 cars had rolled out of the yard onto the long lead right through the new CTC control point so I imagine there was some 'splaning to do by someone. We also met 2 at Clarkston where the meet are never great. I noticed the road to Clarkston was paved while I was gone. Deadheaded from Elton to Laurel, man it was a dark night.

START DATE/TIME END DATE/TIME DESCRIPTION
2011/07/31 1645 2011/08/01 0115 = 8'30"
Job: LA14 01 From HELEMT To LAURMT Train: ERBESXM114

Countdown continues

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Actually because my home page on computer startup brings up a retirement countdown so it is easy to keep trak of. I have 1 more rules exam I'd love to dodge... doubt full if I can stretch it 'til May as I'm on the schedule Sept 30.

We had the grain train toady BNSF7681... very new ES GE. Only 104 cars. We had a bad order at Laurel but got out of town in pretty good shape. Hash kicked it out for us. Straight short to Livingston only to wait for helpers for 4 hours and 10 min. Howe shoved us after cutting in. Raining a bit but it was 92F. The air conditioning was so fantastic I had to turn it off and on as it would get too cool. Adam was my Asst.

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Another underpowered grain train yesterday.

Older unit on point and a Mac included in the mix. Slow slug up the valley. Cut in helpers... we were 112 cars this time. The rear DP unit only loaded 880 amps when it should load 1450. I had my doubts about making Winston as we went up Bozeman pass at 10 mph. The detector at Toston hit us and sealed our fate. I walked back to check out dragging equipment. There was none. We were running out of time so shoved back about 4 miles to Toston and parked the train there. On duty at 1900 of duty at 0815. 1'15" limbo time.

Layed over in Helena about 22 hours then long deadheaded home via van at 0630-1020.

Even an eastbound nearly dies

2011/07/25 1545
2011/07/26 0305

From HELEMT To LAURMT Train: MPASLAU124

Nice afternoon call but no luck... 8000 foot train, power work at Livingston

Deadhead by Cessna 414

Last Deadhead by Air after the flooding