Death Valley - Nov 2010

[agentsteel53]

day 1, where we find the last known Auto Club diamond guide sign!



https://www.aaroads.com/blog/2010/11/15/death-valley-nov-10-part-i/

[mightyace]

I am not sure why this train looks so much like a caterpillar. Definitely a nonstandard engine!

This is most likely a LORAM track grinding train.  It is a specialty trainset that tours the country and grinds the rails to smooth them out and make them even.

[agentsteel53]

what are the cars behind it?  carrying the supplies it needs to operate?

[mightyace]

The lead unit is strictly for power and locomotion.

The rear cars hold the supplies and are where the rail grinding machinery actually resides.

[agentsteel53]

here's part two!



https://www.aaroads.com/blog/2010/11/18/death-valley-nov-10-part-ii/

[NE2]

what are the cars behind it?  carrying the supplies it needs to operate?

According to Trains magazine (July 2006):
"Grinder trains comprise 12 cars: the front control car[...]; grinding cars[...]; water cars[...]; and a rear convenience car, typically a refurbished caboose, with lasers to check work." They move at 5-9 mph, 24 hours a day (two shifts of 12 hours each).

[agentsteel53]

cool information!

[Truvelo]

How hot is it at this time of year?

[agentsteel53]

not very.  it got up to 80 F at Furnace Creek when we were there around 11-12. 

[Quillz]

How hot is it at this time of year?

It's a desert, so it's well below freezing during the winter. Even during the summer, it can be 100+ F during the day while only 10-15 F at night. Even colder during this time of the year.

Of course, those are the extremes. Most of the time the temperature will either be hot all day or cool all day.

[agentsteel53]

I don't think it goes down below about 50-60 in the summer!

[Quillz]

Not usually, but it has happened.