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Those 20 new covered hoppers look like they might be in fertilizer service

Andy24 wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 15, 2024 2:24 pm

Per Youtube video, Grand Elk 303 NB in the Plainwell area earlier today with 3 GDLK engines and 46 cars, 20 cars in the rear are brand spanking new.

https://youtu.be/XQnDfcGie3w?si=xnGX31KhIcPvoRzo

JAIL running south to Jackson tonight. 821/822. Departed Mason at 21:50.

ASBF running a dinner train out of Blissfield tomorrow. Train departs at 18:00

The 20 covered hoppers are empty and originated in Hamilton ON, home of National Steel Car. It appears they were entered into the AAR system on March 1st. AITX is a car leasing and repair company, American Industrial Transport with heritage back to American Car and Foundry which was started in 1899.
My guess is either storage or a pool of cars for sand loading south of Hughart Yard or north of Ann St. I would think new cars have a higher lease rate than older cars but I know nothing about that.

Grand Elk came out of Elkhart heading for Kzoo passing the Elkhart cam at 05:09 with 2 SD units and 52 cars including a little bit of everything.

There was a run of 8 open top NS hoppers, 4 High Top types and 4 standards. I thought these were used for the glass cullet loading in Grand Rapids, but at least the standards were loaded with either coal or coke. I think Pfizer is done with coal — where might these have been going I wonder?

11:58 NB GDLK 303 MP81 Wayland. Didn't see the power, had 10 to 12 cars

Does MSO sill transload coke? For a while they would have 10ish staged around White Pigeon but last I checked all that track was used for the plastic pellets transload.

GP30M4216 wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 18, 2024 11:38 am

I thought these were used for the glass cullet loading in Grand Rapids, but at least the standards were loaded with either coal or coke. I think Pfizer is done with coal — where might these have been going I wonder?

GP30M4216 wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 18, 2024 11:38 am

Grand Elk came out of Elkhart heading for Kzoo passing the Elkhart cam at 05:09 with 2 SD units and 52 cars including a little bit of everything.

There was a run of 8 open top NS hoppers, 4 High Top types and 4 standards. I thought these were used for the glass cullet loading in Grand Rapids, but at least the standards were loaded with either coal or coke. I think Pfizer is done with coal — where might these have been going I wonder?

IMG_4297.png

I’ve seen those NS black open top hoppers being loaded at Hughart Yard in Grand Rapids before.

Tankcar123 wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 18, 2024 11:59 am

11:58 NB GDLK 303 MP81 Wayland. Didn't see the power, had 10 to 12 cars

Grand Elk north through Byron Center at 1:12pm. WAMX 4225, WAMX 4124, and 9 cars, boxcars and covered hoppers.

HESR 740: HESR 3867 and 4 cars
HESR 800: 2145/3036/3526 - 30 cars
HESR 702: 3390/3866 and 30 cars en route to Durand

GRE WB at the Ann St diamond, with 20 or so from King, around 1:15p.

Is Marquette Rail originating a grain train out of Newaygo today? Z151 went north awhile ago but I’m pretty sure I’m hearing a horn in Newaygo as of 3:20pm.

David Collins wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:20 pm

Is Marquette Rail originating a grain train out of Newaygo today? Z151 went north awhile ago but I’m pretty sure I’m hearing a horn in Newaygo as of 3:20pm.

No grain train on the MQT currently. They went north with 75 at 1230 from Fuller.

pudgy wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:23 pm

David Collins wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:20 pm

Is Marquette Rail originating a grain train out of Newaygo today? Z151 went north awhile ago but I’m pretty sure I’m hearing a horn in Newaygo as of 3:20pm.

No grain train on the MQT currently. They went north with 75 at 1230 from Fuller.

Probably was hearing things earlier. That must’ve been 151 I was hearing at 3:20. Thank you!

I didn’t hear Grand Elk 303 on my way south from downtown GR. Assumed they were either at Hughart Yard behind 3 lines of solid cars or they went already and I missed them. On a side note, I didn’t get the heads up about some road work on the 54th St heading east at all.

GRE east thru Ada 10:45. Amway and Poly pickup on head end followed by string of King loads.

GRE back west thru Ada 13:10 with about 10 cars

Marquette Rail heading north out of GR at 1:37pm, passing Godfrey Ave mp 0.99

North parallel with Seward Ave at 1:47pm

Close to Fuller Junction at 2:02pm

Grand Elk south through Byron Center at 4:01pm. WAMX 4124, WAMX 4225, and 8 cars. Covered hoppers and an empty centerbeam.

HESR 702 holding just outside of Durand for CN R944 to depart the yard at 18:30 with HESR 3390/HESR 3865

They are several hours later than usual it seems

LansingRailFan wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 19, 2024 6:32 pm

HESR 702 holding just outside of Durand for CN R944 to depart the yard at 18:30 with HESR 3390/HESR 3865