Discussion relating to the operations of MTA Metro-North Railroad. (New York Metro Area). Official web site can be found here: www.mta.info/mnr. Also includes discussion of Shore Line East, and other CDOT rail operations.
In the 'excursions' thread it is mentioned that the Beacon LIne is OOS due to bridge issues with no money to fix. That got me wondering, how often is the Beacon Line inspected? It is obviously not inspected like the Harlem/Hudson/New Haven due to its limited use. Lately I have noticed Metro North work crews on the small bridge over Route 311 in Patterson, NY. The concrete bases have a lot of pittting/scaling, and the steel work looks solid but probably has not seen paint in over 30 years.
Track inspection on Beacon line is only required prior to each move. the Beacon line is used for training if MofW operators for which MNCR has a small school in Hopewell Jct yard.
The track is listed as class 2 track but speeds are 10 mph freight and 25 mph passenger.
If Conductors are in charge, why are they promoted to be Engineer???
Railroad bridges do not need paint- at least not as often as a highway bridge. In winter, highway bridges are attacked with salt, requiring more frequent painting. Railroad bridges, not so much.
by Kurt » Tue Jun 12, 2007 3:28 pm 
