Erm what is this CN engineer thinking?

[bpetit]

5:35

[thecanadianrail]

looks like either someone missed a red signal or the dispatchers are drunk lol

[PapaXpress]

I have seen this happening often on the NS line up in Erie PA. I am trying to find my old post on this as someone did explain why they do this.

[bpetit]

So its not a violation?

[PapaXpress]

Given that when ever I have visited my in-laws at Erie I see this constantly I would say it is not. I have only see groups of two though. A third train if present has always been 30 mins or more behind (presumably a block appart).

[spartantrain32]

thats how traffic is around here. a train goes by, and then about 10 minutes later another one follows.

[GaryG]

Perhaps a signal failure and given permission to proceed at Restricted Speed (15MPH or so) and also able to stop within one half of the visibility distance. Similar to what a signal with a Grade marker allows; you would need to look at the actual signal to see if it has a Grade marker ("G").

GaryG

[imphantum]

Not sure if this is really the same thing, but go to 5:15 in this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Okqu-K29pF4

[donjgatlin]

I've seen this done on images from Cajon Pass. I believe the reason was so that they could squeeze as many trains as possible into one area to clear the way and to free congestion in traffic going the other way. Normally I think they're limited to 15mph while doing this though. Its more than likely legal to do so if BNSF does it, too.

[mapitts]

I've seen this done on images from Cajon Pass. I believe the reason was so that they could squeeze as many trains as possible into one area to clear the way and to free congestion in traffic going the other way. Normally I think they're limited to 15mph while doing this though. Its more than likely legal to do so if BNSF does it, too.

Yes this is done more and more again. CSX does it as well. With railroad traffic going up so much, they are having to do this. Not sure what they call it, but it used to be called "fleeting" trains. They do in double track territory as well. Like a two lane highway. Used to see it all the time on Sand Patch. If fact I am pretty sure there is a video of Chessie doing this on this forum section.

[dfcfu342]

CSX does it all the time as mentioned above. They like to stack two trains into the same blocks, especially passing sidings. The second train will follow on a lunar white and "sneak up on the hind end" as the engineers call it. They once had a 6000 foot and a 3500 foot train crammed on the same 10,000 foot siding.

[mapitts]

Around here they will have one train come through on a clear signal indication and the second one will follow on a red. Some places will display a lunar or a red over flashing red. Crews call it "chasing the color".

[GLRX12]

I doubt there was a mistake here, if the 2nd engineer had come around the curve to find a Fred flashing at him, he would have big holed the train instantly. The fact that he is following at basically sight distance, at a slow speed, leads me to believe he was issued clearance at restricted speed (IE follow no closer then your longest stopping distance)

Its either a track warrant branch, or just a busy day and they needed to clear the line.

[5292nate]

I doubt there was a mistake here, if the 2nd engineer had come around the curve to find a Fred flashing at him, he would have big holed the train instantly. The fact that he is following at basically sight distance, at a slow speed, leads me to believe he was issued clearance at restricted speed (IE follow no closer then your longest stopping distance)

Its either a track warrant branch, or just a busy day and they needed to clear the line.

That is so cool! Great explanation!

[jmslakings]

This happens all the time here in Bakersfield. Sometimes when its real busy we have three, four or five trains lined up just a few feet right behind each other. I believe this maneuver is called "The Big Creep"