HEADS UP LA PLATA MO - LAP !! Amtrak train 5 the CZ IS DETOURING on BNSF via LAP - KCY - Lincoln NE.
I project train 5 will PASS thru LAP La Plata at around 7:15 PM Central TIme or 5:15PM Pacific Time (where I am in California). This is running as the AMTK 55 West on the radio.
I just heard Amtrak train 5 radio out a "Diverging -- Approach -- Diverging" at CAMERON Junction Just west of Galesburg IL. This was heard on the GALESBURG IL RR radio feed at www.radioreference.com
I also watched the Galesburg Railcam and saw train 5 hold in the GBB station for about 35 minutes. This is just the behavior of a train that is preparing to detour and wait for a PILOT crew.
This Trainorders posting also CONFIRMS this detour. Train 6 is also due to DETOUR on the CNW (UP) mainline via Clinton IA. Does anyone know how these Amtrak CNW (UP) detours RETURN to the NORMAL route in Chicago IL ?? That does not seem like an obvious answer given the Chicago track layout, Here is that Trainorders post that announced this detour --- Daniel :
Date: 08/11/10 15:19 Re: CZ to Serve Kansas City Tonight ? ? ? Author: Jaanfo #5(11) detouring over BNSF from Galesburg, IL to Lincoln, NE via Kansas City, KS.
#6(10) detouring over UP from Omaha to Chicago.
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
Why?
Posted by daniel3197 (Member # 27) on :
OK Train 5 just now DEPARTED LAP La Plata as of 7:45 PM Central time. Train 5 did arrive La Plata at about 7:35 PM Central Time. Train 5 made a STATION STOP in La Plata MO. I am guessing that a stop was made so that scheduled Iowa passengers could be bussed south in order to meet their train at La Plata, MO
This detour is due to the mainline tracks being washed out in Ottumwa, IA (flooding)
--- Daniel
Posted by daniel3197 (Member # 27) on :
OK Train 3 just made a quick stop at La Plata LAP on the Far Track from the depot. Train 3 DEPARTED LAP LA PLATA at about 8:15PM Central Time. This puts Train 5 (CZ) about 30 minutes ahead of Train 3 (SW Chief) out of La Plata MO LAP.
Posted by chrisg (Member # 2488) on :
A dike had to be built over the BNSF tracks at Ottumwa to stop the Des Moines River and the UP said they couldn't take the train so it took the all BNSF routing via KC.
Chris
Posted by TwinStarRocket (Member # 2142) on :
I was just on #5(18) from Osceola, IA to Glenwood Springs. It was behind about 2 hours after Ottumwa. Amtrak station folks say there is track work between Osceola and Ottumwa that requires 25 mph running. So I missed dinner!
I was in an extra sleeper added at the end of the train that only goes CHI-DEN and back. Sleepers west of Denver were sold out most days, so I had to switch to coach to GSC. I got to look over the conductor's shoulder as we backed into Denver with the back window open. Probably the closest I'll ever get to a cab ride. I return on Monday.