Train Tuesdays
The Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. has been walloped by snow with more expected today and tomorrow. Snow and ice on rails creates slick conditions that can lead to trains stalling on grades. Locomotives are equipped to drop sand in front of the wheels to prevent such situations.
Passenger Rail in the Snow
Rail is often thought to be an all-weather transportation mode; however, severe situations can cause delays and cancellations. According to discussion posts at Trainorders.com, the CSX (ex RF&P) between Alexandria and Richmond, VA was impacted by over 200 trees down along the route. Numerous DC area trains were canceled, including some Amtrak, MARC, and VRE service. Reports indicate the northbound Auto Train stopped in Richmond to put passengers up in hotels since the tracks were blocked farther north.
Steam in the Snow
Here’s a nice recent video of a Western Maryland Scenic photographer’s special in the snow. There is a diesel locomotive on the rear, but it sounds like the steam locomotive is doing all the work. You can even hear the wheels slip on the slick rail in a couple of scenes.
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