They stopped several times before or in rock cuts to ensure the load would clear. I understand the tanks are 19 feet high and 21 feet wide, so they do take up a lot of space.
12:37. This was a typical sight - the train slowly creeping forward while the crew checks clearances on the inside of curves. They definitely knocked a few branches off!
12:39. The train paused here for a minute and I had a quick conversation with the engineer.
Me: This must be the slowest train you've ever had.
Engineer: Yeah, good thing I'm paid by the hour!
(Bob Boudreau is visible to the far left)
12:44. I shot this from the side of the road to illustrate the spacecraft-like shape of these tanks.
12:55. Trying for a little more of an artistic shot here... I don't think I really succeeded. :)
12:56. I thought this was a nice shot of 2319's shiny new paint.
13:15. Finally the train reached the Grand Bay overpass. There was a lot of concern about the overhead clearance for this bridge. From our perspective just off Station Road, it looked pretty tight!
13:17. Will it fit???
At this point my daughter announced she needed to use the washroom. I bundled the kids into the van and headed to Tim Hortons for a quick visit, then returned to the scene. There were quite a few people watching the train at this point, mostly local residents.
13:35. IT FITS!
After they got one tank through, it was all over. We headed out and I assume the train returned to Saint John before the evening westbound went out.
I understand the "real" move to Harvey will take place within a week or so, no doubt with all seven tanks on the same train. Given that it took them more than 75 minutes to go 10 miles, it will be a long long trip for the train crew.
I was highly amused by the number of people who did double-takes at the train, or better yet stopped and asked what we were looking at. I generally don't get that when I'm railfanning. :)
I'm glad I "chased" this train - it's a really unusual sight around here. I'd like to close by commenting on the professionalism of the NB Southern crew. They took this job very seriously, as they always do.
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2 comments:
Nice shots, fascinating chase. that certainly looks like a tight fit under the bridge - an inch or less!
Dave P.
Thank you very much. It was quite a treat to see that train.
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