You say that like it is a good thing. It is not. But we are stuck with a primitive rail system that mixes traffic types, because we won't upgrade.
So that means the dispatcher has to mix, and try not to cause too much of a mess. Kudos when he succeeds.
I rode the Burlington a few times as a child, and was impressed by the good roadbeds, good upkeep of the equipment, and routine high speeds. Glad to hear some of that culture still exists, after all these years.
VERY nice photos. Thank you. The Fates are kind.
"You say that like it is a good thing. It is not. But we are stuck with a primitive rail system that mixes traffic types, because we won't upgrade."
I am interpreting the "we" as referring to the United States, and I take exception to the characterization of its rail system as "primitive." The European high-speed passenger-only lines, impressive though they can be to tourists and commuters, are what the North Shore Line might have been, had it enjoyed relatively easy access to public funds. But neither the North Shore Line nor any of the European high-speed lines have to deal with time-sensitive intermodal traffic (Wal-Mart gets upset if the Christmas containers are delayed, and factories lay off workers if parts aren't there) or high-tonnage coal gons and corn hoppers in 125 car rakes, or ethanol tankers running everywhere. The "we won't upgrade" is part of a bigger policy problem: Economics and Falling Bridges touches on the failure of government to upgrade its air, road, and water properties (which isn't as simple as stingy Republicans, but that would take me too far afield.)
The North American freight railroads (including Canada and Mexico) are upgrading, sometimes aggressively, but that's not noticed by the general public, because the latest Christmas toys are on the shelves right after Hallowe'en and the components are at the factory when the day shift reports.
The Burlington spirit? Yes, it's still there. I'd be prepared to argue that BNSF is the world's best railroad, preferably over a pint or two ... Stephen Karlson ATTITUDE is a nine letter word. BOATSPEED.
