Railroad Forums 

  • CMQ/VRS Run Through

  • Discussion of present-day CM&Q operations, as well as discussion of predecessors Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway (MMA) and Bangor & Aroostook Railroad (BAR).
Discussion of present-day CM&Q operations, as well as discussion of predecessors Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway (MMA) and Bangor & Aroostook Railroad (BAR).

Moderator: MEC407

 #1470027  by fogg1703
 
With the recent test of a CMQ/VRS run through train between Farhnam QC and White River Junction Vt, is the plan to run the power straight through or will a power swap still occur in Newport? Curious if a single crew can make the trip between terminals?
 #1470050  by ANRP2
 
It looks like the plan is to run power right through, but since this was a timing test, we won't know about the crew until the exam is scored.
 #1470334  by NHV 669
 
Sunday's trip was 8hrs, 45 minutes Farnham-WRJ, including 45 minutes of work in Newport if that helps.

VRS still has 206 down in WRJ for switching purposes.
 #1470535  by fogg1703
 
Thanks. I'd imagine this routing could shave a good chunk of time off a straight PAR routing. Say 48 hours BJCT to WRJ (or less) as opposed to 48 hours on PAR from Keag to Rigby. Looks like some high cubes from NBSR mixed in as well. Good news here.
Last edited by MEC407 on Sun May 20, 2018 11:56 am, edited 1 time in total. Reason: unnecessary quoting
 #1470558  by ANRP2
 
As reported in Atlantic Northeast Rails & Ports e-bulletin 18#g, based on information provided by CMQ:

Sunday southbound
The test train (#904) ... [departed] Farnham 09h15 with 16 loads/00 empties, arriving Newport 12h30. It departed Newport 13h15 with 17 loads/4 empties, and arrived WRJ 18h15. {Email from CMQ senior executive 25.Apr.18.}

So nine hours even.
Last edited by MEC407 on Sun May 20, 2018 11:57 am, edited 1 time in total. Reason: unnecessary quoting
 #1470777  by newpylong
 
I don't know what the relevance of this routing comparison is (I may be missing something?) but the end goal is to use Pan Am Southern to move bridge traffic CMQ-VRS-PAS over NECR to CSX and NS.
 #1470811  by fogg1703
 
Is the goal not to get NBSR (Irving) bridge traffic to NS? Its a pretty trivial endeavor for the usual 20 lumber loads headed for central New England reloads and a smattering of grain/feed cars that the CMQ/WACR generate now. So if CMQ/VRS/PAS can land a load in EDFLD 18-24 hours shorter than PAR/PAS at a comparable price, then they may have something.
Last edited by MEC407 on Sun May 20, 2018 11:57 am, edited 1 time in total. Reason: unnecessary quoting
 #1500275  by RAJDC85
 
What is the status of this run through? Are traffic levels getting to a point where it may make sense to run this train? Or are current/future traffic levels met by the existing service provided by CMQ/VRS?
 #1500292  by NHV 669
 
VRS ran three trains last week, one way each day, with two units, 25 cars on one, close to 20 on another, and about 18 on the third. Operations were back to normal by the end of the week, with one unit going each way, meeting in St. J, as the trains were smaller. Been seeing reports of bigger trains more often, but nothing to indicate a rise to the point where two units could be a regular occurrence full time.

Seems like time will tell, as usual.
 #1522998  by NHV 669
 
Doubtful; the state owns the WACR RoW, unlikely that ownership would outright purchase a line disconnected from their wholly owned system. Management isn't interested in crossing the border for several reasons, that knowledge is above my pay grade.

Reports have been slim, but the WACR appears to currently run one way each day with both units, instead of a two way meet. This has been going on for a bit. Car counts have hit 20+ a few times, but nothing crazy enough to suggest a major traffic increase.
 #1523035  by csx2039
 
It has not been sold yet, bidding ends tomorrow tues the 22nd, CP getting CMQ is not a sure bet but a real possibility, in which case - my opinion, the Newport Sub would likely be thrown in with sale and likely mothballed with newport customers being served from south. Well have to see how it shakes out.
 #1523099  by NHV 669
 
A good portion of VRS' on line and bridge traffic comes via the Newport Sub, why would they mothball a line that affects two carriers?
 #1523126  by csx2039
 
You are correct on bridge traffic... but with a cp purchase of CMQ, all remaining bridge traffic will likely be diverted to D&H.

I wish your statement were true about online, but 98% of WACR online buisness comes from NECR, They do get an occasional load from the north for Morrison Custom feeds, other then that, all comes from south.
As a matter of fact 60% of online buisness on CMQ newport sub now comes from south as well...

Hopefully there are some answers soon...
Last edited by MEC407 on Tue Oct 22, 2019 1:37 pm, edited 1 time in total. Reason: unnecessary quoting