day 1, where we find the last known Auto Club diamond guide sign!
(//www.aaroads.com/shields/blog/photos/098540.jpg)
https://www.aaroads.com/blog/2010/11/15/death-valley-nov-10-part-i/
(//www.aaroads.com/shields/blog/photos/098315.jpg)
QuoteI 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.
what are the cars behind it? carrying the supplies it needs to operate?
The lead unit is strictly for power and locomotion.
The rear cars hold the supplies and are where the rail grinding machinery actually resides.
here's part two!
(//www.aaroads.com/shields/blog/photos/098620.jpg)
https://www.aaroads.com/blog/2010/11/18/death-valley-nov-10-part-ii/
Quote from: agentsteel53 on November 16, 2010, 10:30:21 AM
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).
cool information!
How hot is it at this time of year?
not very. it got up to 80 F at Furnace Creek when we were there around 11-12.
Quote from: Truvelo on November 18, 2010, 11:31:23 AM
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.
I don't think it goes down below about 50-60 in the summer!
Not usually, but it has happened.