Comments on: Although there is fresh ballast on the track and ballast hoppers in the train, the two are not connected. The crew of the 5606 will have stopped wherever the work was being done on the Lac La Biche Sub. and picked up the 15+ empty ballast cars to bring back to Edmonton. The ballast on the track was applied by the work train that had been working in our area for the previous couple of weeks. The whole route to Fort Mac was getting a major upgrade. Behind the empty ballast cars there were 35 loads of sulphur and cab 79511. Photo taken at mile 26.6.

By: Extra 5610 West

Extra 5610 West — Sat, 08 Jun 2024 00:57:05 +0000

I will will tie those 2 comments together. After all the work, as outlined in Paul’s comment, was completed. Trains coming into town rolled so cleanly. No more tipping side to side or up and down as the train approached. Nice and smooth, I’m sure the crews appreciated it very much.

By: Stephen C. Host

Stephen C. Host — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 20:55:42 +0000

It’s all so clean.

By: Paul O'Shell

Paul O'Shell — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 12:41:35 +0000

That track section will soon receive a lift, level, line, and tamp, and be regulated and swept across the entire ballast section providing years of properly supported and drained roadbed. Those ‘orange ball’ hoppers continue to deliver ballast in 2024.