The DP consist from Hell. Colorado Springs to Pueblo Part 2 in Tales of the Jointed Track

I take the road over the mains off of old Sierra Madre and to Las Vegas Avenue. I can follow that all the way to Crews and into Fountain if needed.

I call the crew close to Kelker siding. There is a H-DENBEL ( DENVER-BELEN,NM) holding the main, at Kelker. I call the crew on the load, and say make sure you guys clear the road crossings at Widefield and Security. I don't care if they clear the Crews switch, because Main 1 has a track window for track work.

I near Crews proper, they are clear of the railroad crossings, but fouling Crews by 8 car lengths. I call the head end and attach. Looking at the wheels of the DP consist, there is "bluing" due to heat, but they are not severely overheated.

I look over both sides of the consist. It is consistent, and there is not excessive wear on the brake shoes . I smell around, and the odor of overheated composition brake shoes is in the air. There is a light smoking, but it is not as prominent, due to cooling.

I call the crew and try to get what the engineer is seeing on the screens. "It wont bail off a set", I am told. "Okay, let's try this". The phone rings and its Marty the Daylight Chief dispatcher.

"Mentor Bob" "Stop what you are doing and go get the DENBEL crew and take them to the Coal load". "Okay" "I am relieving that coal load crew and will get them taken to Trinidad". "Work with this crew and lets get this taken care of".

I tell the coal load work with the trick DS, you are getting relieved. I call the DENBEL crew, Mike Solano is the engineer. "Big Lift to the DENBEL crew". "Go ahead Number One". ( I am called Number One by Mike because that is my senority roster number). "Mike, Chief wants you to tie down, and I am on my way to get you. We'll try to get this DP problem rectified". "Okay Number One".

I get to Kelker, and call the crew. "I'm here Mike, whenever you're ready". "Okay give us a few more and will load up". "I'll have the back opened up for your grips". The crew shows and we load up the baggage and head back to the load at Mesa road. I brief the crew and what problems I am encountering, I'll also get with the NOC Mechanical, and see what we can pull off as well. Right now I have played my hand and it's a loser.

I tone up Mechanical, while the "new" crew is getting situated, and getting verification of track warrants and bulletins. Mechanical answers and I relate the problems. I am told that there is a DP data Radio problem with the "new" DP link. Great, the original is a dead duck and is or will work on battery power for DP control till Pueblo. The other unit is a 9400 series SD-70-MAC, and is not DP qualified, nor does it have the equipment.

"Mike here is the options, we need to link back to the original link. If it will take, I'll shadow you to Pueblo, and they will have to make adjustments there". "Okay Number One, I'll end the current DP". "Do that and I'll reset back here".

The DP was unlinked and re linked. The tests were made, and passed. I told Mike I'd roll him by Mesa Road.

They whistle off and head south on main 2 , I watch the train go by. I'll call the Chief and say, sorry we'll need to remake the DP at Pueblo. I spoke too soon, I see a smoke cloud the DP's are dragging brakes. About that time Mike calls and relates the same thing.

"Mike take 'em past Mesa Road, then dump the DP. I'll kill the link back here and run them manual into Pueblo". "Okay Number One".

Marty the Chief is pulling his hair out, like he has anymore to lose. He reminds me of "Eeyore" on Winne the Pooh . "Marty, I am running this DP consist to Pueblo, it needs to be relayed period. This is a bunch of losers that aren't going to work or co operate". "I need this main open". "It will be, place this train in the hump". "I will and try to line up a new consist".

We unlink make an air test, and head to Pueblo. This crew will be relieved at Pueblo, as well. Everyone, who can contact me, is doing so. All armchair quarterbacking, so if they have a better idea, where were ya ? We get this bastard into Pueblo.

The Division Train master picks me up at 29th Street, and we start back to Mesa Road to pick up the truck.

To be continued.....Part 3

Last updated August 23, 2014