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I just returned from a 2700 mile driving trip and had the opportunity to observe UP operations between Tucumcari, NM and Pratt, KS as well as from Ellis, KS to Kit Carson, CO (the old Kansas Pacific). Not that many trains on the old Golden State Route but they seemed to be moving expeditiously. A unit hopper car train westbound, two trains with new automobiles going west and a mixed train eastbound.
On the KP line I saw a unit coal train eastbound and a new auto train westbound plus an empty auto train eastbound. An interesting observation on the KP; it is being slowly upgraded with welded rail and new 9000 +/- foot passing tracks located in open areas between former small stations. These appear to be electronicaly operated tho I saw no power lines or communication lines to them
RRCHINA Member # 1514
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Sorry, I transmitted before finishing. To go on:
The switches appeared to have radio receiver antennas and perhaps batteries that were recharged by the sun which is in abundance here. There were approach signals at both ends about 1/2 mile in advance also without power lines. Any of you who may know more about these signals on a "dark railroad" please pass on info.
The BNSF Transcon paralleling I-40 was a very busy RR today with train after train of double stacks and TOFC. AMTRAK # 4 was about on time at Grants and was weaving in and out of all the freights on this CTC territory with X-overs about eight miles apart. Also, the American Orient Express was on the Transcon today with a very long train. What a sight to behold as the dispatchers in Ft. Worth, each with 100 plus miles to handle, kept them moving, some double stacks and TOFC's at 70 MPH.
George Harris Member # 2077
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Signal line if any was probably burined. I have also seen solar panels along the the former T&P between Shreveport and Alexandria LA
These may be CTC "islands" so that they do not have to stop to throw switches. These could also be simply switch indicators and the switches be spring switches. Get up close to the track at the switch point to see whether there is a power switch machine or a hand throw switch stand and that will answer that one.
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