Here's how it all went down, guys:
#2121's initial failure was at the Grayland station. Meanwhile, the late-departed #7 had _just_ gotten by A-5, and thankfully the veteran C&M dispatcher (a really good guy, by the way) was right on top of things, and arranged with A-5 for it to back up into the first crossover, after 2138 got by, so it could go west on no. 2 and cross back over at Mayfair in front of the disabled 2121. This would have been a smart move that would not have caused any delay to any other trains, since the far-off #2140 was the next eastbound, and the inbound NCS was still a few minutes away. Well, by the time #7 completed the back up move, engr. on 2121 was able to get 'er going again, albiet at reduced load. When word of this got to a certain Metra official - whom shall remain nameless on this Public Forum - he decreed to the A-5 operator that 2121 was to continue on as-is, and #7 would cross BACK OVER TO 1 (yes, making that whole back up move a waste) and follow it! So, while 2121 was waiting for a lineup from CY, the crew of #7 - understandably upset with this decision - was making some calls of its own. Even the engineer on 2121 called back to A-5 and said something like, "Uh, did you check with the dispatcher about this?" Even he knew it would be stupid to have other trains following right behind him. Of course, though, the decision stood, and before long #337 was joining in on the parade too.
Even after 2121 got going, it still would have been prudent to let 7 get around it, but just take it up further to either: a) Morton Grove, probably causing a small delay to the already late 2121 while 7 dwelled at Glenview; or b) A-20, probably causing a small delay for 2140 at Northbrook. Either delay would have been minor in comparison to the extra 20-minute hit that #7 took by dragging behind 2121 all the way to Rondout. But then, there are certain people at Metra who refuse to let their precious scoots be delayed even one second by Amtrak.
Ironically, that inbound NCS ended up being delayed outside of A-5, while #7 was sitting in the plant trying to get this hare-brained decision reversed before its ugly fate was sealed for good. So, for those of you keeping count, the "powers that be" at Metra managed to take one guaranteed-delayed train and turn it into four!
Anyways, while I disagree with the way the situation was handled, I don't necessarily disagree with running the engine out once it got going again. Though Western Ave is pretty close by to Grayland, a rescue engine dispatch depends on two things: a free engine sitting around with a current daily inspection and locomotive air brake test already complete, and an available crew who is qualified on the road and not just, say, the yard and A2-Chicago. I would say it would be pretty damn lucky if both of those components were in place and ready to go on a moment's notice. I'm sure you've noticed that the only engines sitting around that yard are usually 611+614 (not going to have current paperwork), whatever's in the shop (same), and a yard goat (slow, and most likely has a MAS of 50mph or less). Notably, 421 was able to get up to 40-50 mph between Lake Forest and Rondout on its limited load, according to the engineer.
Does anyone know what happened to this engine/trainset when it finally got to its endpoint? Did it have to turn and come back into town the same way?
hey there guy