Mike,
Buda Hill is the ruling grade between Montgomery and Galesburg.
Starts at MP 112.5 with the crest at about MP 116.5. The grade
varies but would probably average out to around .8%. I would
say it's operational significance lasted through the 60's.
In the current context of power planning there is really no
allowance for grades of less than about 1.5%. This is just
fine if you have good rail conditions but in rain or snow the
system breaks down. This is a problem that can be lived with
and pushers are assigned when needed, where needed. Since Buda
Hill is Westbound there are very seldom any trains that would
be overtaxed at that point although the new shuttle elevator
East of Mendota does have to be considered.
One night last week I had a 17,800 ton train make it the 40
some miles from Utica NE to Lincoln with only one unit, a
SD70MAC. Would have needed two for Buda Hill but was not going
that way or in that direction.
Russ
----- Original Message -----
From: atsf3460@aol.com
To: cbq@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, 02 June, 2004 14:33
Subject: [CBQ] Buda Hill grade question...
Monday I was out railfanning just east of Buda and watched a loaded coal
train on the big curve just east of town. The train seemed to be making a
weird
sound and I realized he was in dynamics ... then it clicked that he was going
down Buda Hill! I doubt if I'd ever seen a loaded coal at the spot heading
east so I don't think I've ever heard a train use dynamics in that location.
Anyway, is Buda Hill the ruling grade from Aurora to Galesburg or Burlington?
Just how steep is it? I assume trains pre-diesel may have occasionally
stalled
but was it a true operational headache?
Mike Martin / Peoria Heights, IL
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