Marti in Tales of the Jointed Track

I was working a local, by choice, and our Conductor marked off the trip. It was a Wednesday, we have to go to the “Springs” , to switch the industries there.

The brakeman, Pres Cordova, was stepped up as the Conductor. We were, as a regular crew, did what we needed to keep the job working and on time. This was our bread and butter. We it kept the job working. We did what the required, and we interacted with the customers , and provided service.

The “new” BNSF, really didn’t get it. Whether it was the crew office, or the filling trainman they got. Okay this was an outside assignment, had always been. They were to be at “Big Lift” proper by call time. The crew desk gives them the 2 hour call. They report at 31st ST, and “wait” for the ride.

Okay we’re fucked, but we don’t wait. Pres and I switch out what we need to do. We get the north end, done and head to the south end. We need the southbound mainline, so Pres, lines up the switch, we wait the 5 minutes..and we’ll get it done. We clear our UP warrant, and wait for Queen Marti to appear.

Sorry, man or woman, these “fuckers” know what the job is. Okay, the “dolly” arrives…2 hours late, and we switched this yard.

We, have our transportation, and the Queen loads her baggage. Pres is pissed, but deal with it. Let me give a preface of Queen Marti..

She was a prior rights, BN trainman, was a promoted engineer as well. Due, to other issues, she chose to stay in train service. She did the “trackage rights” over the former Rio Grande, on the Moffat pool, Union Pacific is the owner road now. She was called to step off, her turn, and her choice. I guess this was a good choice, for her. She took the call.

Marti was loose, as she wanted to be. She was a party gal, and I think she, had done a bit, before she took this call. A little alcohol on her breath , disheveled, and okay..lol. She slept most of the way, down to Colorado Springs, a 75 mile trip and about an hours ride.

Colorado Springs:

We had the usual, and have, four cars for the Colorado Springs Gazette. Newsprint, I think we are pulling 2 empties . At least 15 lime for the customer at Kelker yard, and a few DOD flats for the military, at Ft Carson.

We get the authority to open up the “CTC” siding, and head to South Springs siding. We would get to the old “transfer track” and get the Gazette. Pres says tell, Marti to tie 5 handbrakes and cut us off. He lines us up into the spur, to the Gazette. We switch out as needed, and head back to the train. We’re gone about 25-35 minutes. Pres says “Tell Marti were close, and tone up the DS 16, and say when ya can , line us up into the Kelker siding, we’ll hold it and finish up our switching”. DS 16 is notified and he’s ready for us.

We couple up, she mates the air brake hoses and cuts the air in. Then takes off the hand brakes. The ETD, sounds off, I make the required set and release. The signal changes, to a flashing Yellow, an we’re off.

Kelker Yard:

We get into Kelker siding . I stop at the old Santa Fe yard lead. We need to line down yard 2, then run around in yard 1 …Shove the lime cars on top of Yard 4 and the surplus to yard 3. Pull the bottom end. shove the DOD flats to the old Rio Grande part and spot for pick up, by the Ft Carson, railroad crew.

Pres, goes to check the pick up, and talk to the customer. Marti is to line us into yard 2. LOL, wow is this a cluster fuck!, sorry, it’s a simple move.

She took her grip with her, really, why? Comes to find out, she doesn’t have a pair of switch keys!!! Okay, here comes the “secrets” out of her grip…really !!! ??? Panties , bras, feminine stuff, okay . Pres says, “What’s going up there Shoe?” I say, “Well …we’ll move soon”.

I tell Marti, after going back with my set of keys, “Hey pack this up “doll”, and we got to get going. use my set of keys, and give ‘em back after we’re done” . We get the industries, picked up and set out. Thank God, we don’t have to switch Drennan....

We gather our cars, head back to the “Spring’s“, place the pick up to 903 or Rio Grande track 3 for pick up. Tie the “motor” up in 5, skate it, and head back to Big Lift.

We tie up, she waits for her ride back to Denver 31st ST. She was ten times of worthless…and really didn’t care. Rode hard and put away wet, is all I can say. Yeah, it’s cruel…but is what it is.

Unfortunately, during the flood re-routes in 2011..I worked the troubleshooters job, in the Denver Terminal and Corridor. She was forced into running an engine on the EN08 roster. Shortly after she, got run off due to another Rule G violation … A sad commentary, but probably best.

Last updated February 08, 2015