Pigs, Hoppers and TripleCrowns in Norborne on the Transcon

A crazy night along the transcon! The first pig train radioed in my vehicle at the crossing, saying I was looking suspicious. Seriously, I wasn't doing anything wrong. I've been doing this for years and my father who is an engineer has taught me what is allowed. But this trip taught me that many train crews now are quick to report suspicion (or was i just unlucky this trip?), and it makes me rather uncomfortable. I don't like being called out, because yes, I know my hobby is a little strange and I know how many railroaders feel about it. It's no fun watching trains pass when you feel like your doing the railroaders a great trouble.

Anyways, this Z train for San Bernadino flies west with 3 units and a beautiful 138 solid pigs at 5:38pm. Last year, this train was often combined with the ZNYCLAC train, so it was good to see it again, especially solid trailers with no containers up front. Trailer traffic is way up from last year.

At 7:14pm, hoppers roll east. This train radioed back the dispatcher to say I was just a railfan takin pictures, but the police we already on their way. Does anyone know what is in these hoppers and where it comes from and is going?

16 minutes later NS train 240 blasts east at 60mph with the maximum 150 trailers. Right before this train passed the Norborne police came by, and after I said I was just watching trains they said no problem and were on their way. But then the "big bad" state trooper came by also...! He said we were not even allowed to be taking pictures of trains, and also that he knows of no legal area of the city that I could watch trains. Hmmm. I obey, but It's hard to respect the law enforcement when they don't know the law. I've learned some policemen simply like to take advantage of their power, even if they do it in the name of safety.

It is a sad thing. This policeman wanted me out of the city. If the police doesn't want the city to have the business that I bring then fine, I'll buy my supplies elsewhere. Please, law, don't be ruled by terror. My respect for you needs to come from your honesty and integrity, not from your power alone.

Ride on,
Tyler

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• bnsf
• burlington
• northern
• santa
• fe
• train
• railroad
• high
• speed
• fast
• norfolk
• southern
• ns
• freight
• road
• railer
• piggyback
• intermodal
• hoppers

[1489011]

amazing video tyler!!!

[heelblocks]

Nice video Tyler, the coal hoppers are empty (I think..) Coke cars. Crews like that irritate me, especially when it is in the middle of no where were no harm could possibly be done!

[Fussel2013]

Nice video.That is a bad thing with the police.Do you will never record trains there now?

[HyperActive7]

You know now that they've killed Bin Laden and found out his true plans it's only going to get worse. I've had crews and the general public call me in even in a so called railfan geared place.

I just think somebody has it in for us. The crew is one thing because that is their job but the general public is another. The general public irks me because they are the reason themselves why we as hobbyists are scapegoats and even within our own hobby.

[ggpmhouse]

I still can't explain it, but I do enjoy watching Triple crown going down the tracks. *****

[UPDetector]

Nice catches Tyler

[stlgevo51]

I've seen hoppers like that hauling ore from Minnesota in eastern MO before. I have no idea what they are doing out there. I'm sorry to hear about your run in with the law. It must have been a slow day in the law enforcement office, because you were their biggest "threat". That might have been the dumbest thing I've ever heard. What harm do they think you are causing?