It is the largest double track swing span in the world. BNSF also had a swing span up river in Burlington (see original Silver Streak movie), but it was replaced a few years ago with a lift span. The lift spans open and close faster and have fewer problems than a swing span. Tows can navigate a lift span faster than a swing span.
It is disappointing to see the negative comments from he dips. It was a great video and explained something very important. Thanks for sharing. It matters not what the stupid ones can’t understand.
I've been watching the Fort Madison live railcam and wondered how those work since they were doing work on those a few days ago. Seeing it close, I can imagine it opening up for the bridge swinging open.
@@karlrovey Thanks. 🙂 That is the console of the Baldwin theatre/concert pipe organ from the 1930's (no relation to Baldwin Locomotive Works). The pipe organ is located in the Grand Ballroom of Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
@@arpschneider Better to derail than go into the water. The put derailers on sidings with stored cars for similar reasons (don't want a train to hit them at full speed on the mainline).
I assume that train signals warn the train in advance to slow down, then stop, before the derail. The derail should never have to derail any train, it's just a last-ditch lesser-evil preventative just in case someone on the train has done something stupid.
Great video, Russ!!! Couldn't see from the Kingsley Inn camera only that there is a derailer for both Main 1 (former ATSF north track) and Main 2 (former ATSF south track)...really appreciate seeing the action as the derailer closed!!! Pretty neat! Toll bridge has the only BNSFclerk job, I believe, between Chicago and Kansas City and makes quite a bit of $ from traffic tolls. Santa Fe...All the Way! :-)
I still do not understand what it's for if its a derailer. Then why is there not one on the other track as ther both are two way running. Also who controls the danger signal when the bridge opens. The crossing do the trains open and close the barrier?
John Phillips, there is a derailer on both tracks. I think the BNSF dispatcher in Fort Worth controls the signal but maybe the bridge tender does. Not sure.
I've never seen a derailer like that, a damn good idea! It one like that had been in use, it would've saved the lives of a locomotive crew that crashed into a drawbridge counterweight at over 30 mph, back in May of 1974! The brigde crossed Cleveland's Cuyahoga River and the signals had a live operator on station! If I recall correctly, the final report indicated that the bridge tender had been drinking and misjudged the bridge's cycling time, along with the higher speed of the oncoming, mile long freight train! I viewed the wreckage a few days later, after the fruit & vegetables the train carried, had rotted in the hot, late spring sunshine! Whatta Smell!
It’s interlocked with the bridge; whenever the bridge is impassible for rail traffic, that rail will open. Any train passing it will run off the end of the split rail and derail right there, but it’s easier to clean up a derailment into the parking lot than to pull a train out of the river.
Outstanding video job well done I was in the chat room in Fort Madison and that was my concern I rest easy a friend of mine told me about it and he explained it your video eased my mind job well done if I could I give you an A-Plus for a job well done keep up the good work and remember we're all in this together take care and be safe
Where does the single track on the left go? There's a transition length from timber to concrete ties. Also change in tie plate type spiked plates to pandrol plates.
I assume that train signals warn the train in advance to slow down, then stop, before the derail. The derail should never have to derail any train, it's just a last-ditch lesser-evil preventative just in case someone on the train has done something stupid. Back in 1885, would the track leading to the canyon in BttF Part III have had such a derail?
Yes, Show us the one on the other track! I've always heard this type of turnout/switch referenced as a "derail" where does the term "meter track" originate? Thanks for your efforts was very interesting to watch!
The idea is to stop the rain traffic before it can foul the bridge. either way, you will likely have to fish railroad equipment out of the water, but the bridge will remain undamaged.
It's better for a train that runs through the signals to derail there than run off the bridge into the river. It might run the signals from a inattentive or incapacated engineer or a brake failure, among other reasons.
Actually, he must have meant a "mitre/miter" rail. MITRE/MITER is commonly used in woodworking as well, (whereas two angled cut form a different angle, etc). Basically speaking, it is an angled joint; 45 degree or whatever angle. Anything unlike an old fashioned "stub" switch, any rail utilizing an angular cut, etc.
It's likely automatic, set up in an interlocker arrangement. When the bridge is aligned for rail and street traffic, the derail switch is closed. When the dispatcher or bridge tender throws the first lever to align the bridge for river traffic, the derail signal will turn red (probably a "double red" absolute stop); then after a preset time delay, the derail switch will open; during the "derail" delay, another delay will be initiated, bringing down the entrance gates on the street and allowing street traffic already on the bridge to clear; finally, after another preset delay, the exit gates on the street are lowered, releasing the bridge lockout on the control lever(s), thereby allowing the dispatcher or bridge tender to "throw the lever." To realign the bridge for street and rail traffic, everything basically happens in reverse. I know this is probably a simplistic way of describing how it all works but, looking at it from a logical progression, I am rather sure this is how the system works. Most likely, now, the interlockers are undoubtedly controlled by computer(s).
I'm guessing yes, but the derail would be on the left side of the left track. This is to divert the derailed equipment away from the adjacent mainline, just like the one in the video.
@@tow1709 In an other video i saw that both tracks have such protection! At 0:18 (Illinois) and 2:19 (Iowa). > ruclips.net/video/aTmPTNh2JrA/видео.html
Actually there is another river besides the Missouri called the big muddy river. That is in fact the name but your point is very well noted just the same 👍
@@dougshrader7721 Prevents damage to bridge. You can clear the line enough to restore traffic more quickly without having to repair the bridge/approach. The water is shallower here, and further from the water.
I would assume that the speed limit through here is about 25 mph, especially due to the radius of the curves as the tracks approach the bridge. But a derailment here would still be spectacular, even at that slow speed.
Heading towards the bridge, with the split point open, that could be very bad......even if only running 25 MPH. Going the other way; as in the train is coming from said Big Muddy, I'm pretty sure that the train's first axle will force the inner rail outboard, towards the same side rail, after that split.
I found another video with a view from the rear of an Amtrak train crossing the bridge. The speed limit for cars on the upper deck is clearly posted 25 mph. The train was moving no faster during the crossing.
I guess they must still be auditioning for comedians. Were you disappointed a tornado, hurricane, wildfire and 10-car pileup didn't happen while waiting for the derail to close?
Hello.... Please forgive a “Western Guy” that doesn’t know any better...... The “Big Muddy”... The Mississippi River???? Meter Rail... What is the purpose of it????
It's for Mississippi River barge traffic. The barge tow boats can't clear the lower-level rail bridge. BNSF is required to open the bridge for barge traffic.
That thing seems to be in a bad place. Yes it would work and derail a train, but it seems that it would put the train in a really bad spot. Wouldn't it be better at a level spot?
It is the largest double track swing span in the world. BNSF also had a swing span up river in Burlington (see original Silver Streak movie), but it was replaced a few years ago with a lift span. The lift spans open and close faster and have fewer problems than a swing span. Tows can navigate a lift span faster than a swing span.
Thanks for the commentary, I eagerly awaited those tracks to close. I understand the siren sounding thanks.😎👌👍
It is disappointing to see the negative comments from he dips. It was a great video and explained something very important. Thanks for sharing. It matters not what the stupid ones can’t understand.
I've been watching the Fort Madison live railcam and wondered how those work since they were doing work on those a few days ago. Seeing it close, I can imagine it opening up for the bridge swinging open.
Rob Strecker, glad my video helped you understand the split point derails!
Rob Strecker, glad my video helped you understand the split point derails!
Yes, watching the rail am, it's hard to see the derail open and close. Nice to see it operate up close.
Very interesting . Never knew about this till now . Thanks for sharing .
I love all of your videos and stories on RUclips on trains everyday
And where did the term 'meter or meeter rail' come from?? It is a split point derail.
I have heard of the "split point derail," but I've never actually seen one until now.
Nice profile pic.
@@karlrovey Thanks. 🙂
That is the console of the Baldwin theatre/concert pipe organ from the 1930's (no relation to Baldwin Locomotive Works). The pipe organ is located in the Grand Ballroom of Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
What purpose does that rail serve? Do they *really* want the train to derail??
@@arpschneider Better to derail than go into the water. The put derailers on sidings with stored cars for similar reasons (don't want a train to hit them at full speed on the mainline).
I assume that train signals warn the train in advance to slow down, then stop, before the derail. The derail should never have to derail any train, it's just a last-ditch lesser-evil preventative just in case someone on the train has done something stupid.
Great video, Russ!!! Couldn't see from the Kingsley Inn camera only that there is a derailer for both Main 1 (former ATSF north track) and Main 2 (former ATSF south track)...really appreciate seeing the action as the derailer closed!!! Pretty neat! Toll bridge has the only BNSFclerk job, I believe, between Chicago and Kansas City and makes quite a bit of $ from traffic tolls. Santa Fe...All the Way! :-)
Al, Santa Fe All the Way, for sure! Russ
indeed
Thanks for the close up. I understand that there is a similar 'derailer' on the adjoining track which operates in a similar fashion.
You can see the tip of the side rail on the other track in video. They both terminate at about the same distance.
That was pretty neat. I did not realize there was street traffic on top of the swing bridge and rail traffic on the bottom. Neat design.
Barry
It was the same in Keokuk Iowa as well
Super cool bridge and great video and explanation. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Rob
I still do not understand what it's for if its a derailer. Then why is there not one on the other track as ther both are two way running. Also who controls the danger signal when the bridge opens.
The crossing do the trains open and close the barrier?
John Phillips, there is a derailer on both tracks. I think the BNSF dispatcher in Fort Worth controls the signal but maybe the bridge tender does. Not sure.
Thanks Russel. I saw the de-Railer on the middle line. I Have not notice that one before via the virtual rail cam.
Bridge tender controls the bridge, signal, derail and also collects tolls from the autos.
I've never seen a derailer like that, a damn good idea! It one like that had been in use, it would've saved the lives of a locomotive crew that crashed into a drawbridge counterweight at over 30 mph, back in May of 1974! The brigde crossed Cleveland's Cuyahoga River and the signals had a live operator on station! If I recall correctly, the final report indicated that the bridge tender had been drinking and misjudged the bridge's cycling time, along with the higher speed of the oncoming, mile long freight train!
I viewed the wreckage a few days later, after the fruit & vegetables the train carried, had rotted in the hot, late spring sunshine! Whatta Smell!
Explanation of the split rail please.
It’s essentially a de-railler, opens when the bridge opens to de-rail runaway trains!
It’s interlocked with the bridge; whenever the bridge is impassible for rail traffic, that rail will open. Any train passing it will run off the end of the split rail and derail right there, but it’s easier to clean up a derailment into the parking lot than to pull a train out of the river.
How come they dont have it on both lines
@@sha1om lets hope the runaway is slow when it derails.......
@@josephpruett5661 only need one split rail to derail. No need to split both.
Outstanding video job well done I was in the chat room in Fort Madison and that was my concern I rest easy a friend of mine told me about it and he explained it your video eased my mind job well done if I could I give you an A-Plus for a job well done keep up the good work and remember we're all in this together take care and be safe
Where does the single track on the left go? There's a transition length from timber to concrete ties. Also change in tie plate type spiked plates to pandrol plates.
That line remains on this side of the river to Burlington
That is the K-Line between Burlington and St. Louis. One of the few places in the world where a Mississippi tow has hit a train more than once.
Sirens go off at 3:51 for those who jump easily.
Christopher Carey, you betcha! Russ
@@russellsharptrainvideos the siren is a Sentry F2.
Common in the UK where they are known as Catch Points, used to stop runaway vehicles leaving sidings and onto the main lines
I assume that train signals warn the train in advance to slow down, then stop, before the derail. The derail should never have to derail any train, it's just a last-ditch lesser-evil preventative just in case someone on the train has done something stupid.
Back in 1885, would the track leading to the canyon in BttF Part III have had such a derail?
I'm not going to kid you, I fast forwarded to the action.
😂
Very cool! Thanks for the info.
Is there a signal BEFORE the derail that would display a “ STOP “ indication to an approaching when this derail is in derail position?
Yes. I believe that would be the home signal for the bridge's interlocking plant.
@@markschroeder2578 ä
4:10, because the rest is just waiting.
I'm chuckling as I think about what the lady would say if she knew that vid had me on the edge of my seat for 4 min 27 sec
It was so long and painful like pulling teeth.
How can a train run that split railroad track about derailing trains on
It’s a pretty amazing bridge, gets for than it’s fair share of usage. Interesting video👍🏼😎
Yes, Show us the one on the other track! I've always heard this type of turnout/switch referenced as a "derail" where does the term "meter track" originate? Thanks for your efforts was very interesting to watch!
A few very peaceful minutes with no nonsense. Thank you very much, Sir!
That is the most phenominal bridge in America!
is it cheaper to derail a train vs letting it go into the river??
The idea is to stop the rain traffic before it can foul the bridge. either way, you will likely have to fish railroad equipment out of the water, but the bridge will remain undamaged.
Is that a double decker train bridge, or does it handle both trains and cars?
Auto traffic above, rail traffic below. No big trucks
So what is the point of derailing the train??
Scroll up and look at Celestine Gomez' question and replies. There is a good explanation there.
It's better for a train that runs through the signals to derail there than run off the bridge into the river.
It might run the signals from a inattentive or incapacated engineer or a brake failure, among other reasons.
Why's it called a "meter rail"? Looks like a safety derail to be.
Actually, he must have meant a "mitre/miter" rail. MITRE/MITER is commonly used in woodworking as well, (whereas two angled cut form a different angle, etc). Basically speaking, it is an angled joint; 45 degree or whatever angle. Anything unlike an old fashioned "stub" switch, any rail utilizing an angular cut, etc.
Hadn't seen anything like that before. Thanks
A device to YEET trains into space
.
.
well, the parking lot anyway
Cool video, is it automatic? As in it only realigns when the train is under a certain speed?
It's likely automatic, set up in an interlocker arrangement. When the bridge is aligned for rail and street traffic, the derail switch is closed. When the dispatcher or bridge tender throws the first lever to align the bridge for river traffic, the derail signal will turn red (probably a "double red" absolute stop); then after a preset time delay, the derail switch will open; during the "derail" delay, another delay will be initiated, bringing down the entrance gates on the street and allowing street traffic already on the bridge to clear; finally, after another preset delay, the exit gates on the street are lowered, releasing the bridge lockout on the control lever(s), thereby allowing the dispatcher or bridge tender to "throw the lever." To realign the bridge for street and rail traffic, everything basically happens in reverse.
I know this is probably a simplistic way of describing how it all works but, looking at it from a logical progression, I am rather sure this is how the system works. Most likely, now, the interlockers are undoubtedly controlled by computer(s).
The other track did also have such protection?
I'm guessing yes, but the derail would be on the left side of the left track. This is to divert the derailed equipment away from the adjacent mainline, just like the one in the video.
On the other side of the bridge presumably
@@tow1709 In an other video i saw that both tracks have such protection! At 0:18 (Illinois) and 2:19 (Iowa). > ruclips.net/video/aTmPTNh2JrA/видео.html
Very interesting video thanks. I wondered how that worked, now I know.
4:10 there just saved you 4mins of pointlessness
Find it hard to believe I’m just hearing about this video
Starts at 4:10
Wow. After four and a half minutes - it actually moved!
Like your hairline
Great vídeo !
Nice video but "Big Muddy" is the nickname for the Missouri River. "Old Man River" and "Mighty Miss" for the Mississippi River.
Actually there is another river besides the Missouri called the big muddy river. That is in fact the name but your point is very well noted just the same 👍
Thank you for stating that fact. I was taught 50 years ago to remember the Mighty Miss and the Muddy Mo.
There's a River in IL called the Big Muddy River.
I live there. It's more a stream than river 😉
Why on Earth is there even a switch there?
To prevent a train from running into the river while the bridge is open. Better to derail on land than sink in the river.
ابى الله يرحمه كان يعمل فى هيئة السكك الجديدة عمل شاق جدا
Is this slow-motion or what?
This is very cool!
never knew this existed
I’m not going to Lie I fast forward It Too ...
Dang it !!! I dozed off and missed it. 😪😆 Derail the train, isn't that a little drastic??
Better than letting it run into the river.
@@dougshrader7721 Prevents damage to bridge. You can clear the line enough to restore traffic more quickly without having to repair the bridge/approach. The water is shallower here, and further from the water.
It moves at 4:17
Cool!
I cannot imagine what would happen should a train doing 60mph go thru that open derailer. The carnage would be unbelievable.
Better than going into the drink.
I would assume that the speed limit through here is about 25 mph, especially due to the radius of the curves as the tracks approach the bridge. But a derailment here would still be spectacular, even at that slow speed.
Heading towards the bridge, with the split point open, that could be very bad......even if only running 25 MPH. Going the other way; as in the train is coming from said Big Muddy, I'm pretty sure that the train's first axle will force the inner rail outboard, towards the same side rail, after that split.
I found another video with a view from the rear of an Amtrak train crossing the bridge. The speed limit for cars on the upper deck is clearly posted 25 mph. The train was moving no faster during the crossing.
its looks a beautiful vudeo
Derail right into the harbor! More spectacular of train runs off edge of bridge into drink
Awesome , Thanks
Wow!!..Theres 4 minutes of my life I'll not get back..😴😴😴😴
I almost had to go to the stamp collecting channel because this activity was overwhelming.
😂
I guess they must still be auditioning for comedians. Were you disappointed a tornado, hurricane, wildfire and 10-car pileup didn't happen while waiting for the derail to close?
Jump to 4:10 to see the point move.
We call them alligator derails.
what a strange kind of rail is this? where is it good for?
Like watching concrete dry
Next video paint drying....
Catch Points!
If you're not an employee of BNSJ, are you a trespasser? Not a good example for the non-sophisticated viewer.
Waited with baited breath! For what? Really!
well sorry I missed it closing I fell asleep
Hello.... Please forgive a “Western Guy” that doesn’t know any better...... The “Big Muddy”... The Mississippi River???? Meter Rail... What is the purpose of it????
trespassing?
Interesante.
Probably just for a damn sail boat.
It's for Mississippi River barge traffic. The barge tow boats can't clear the lower-level rail bridge. BNSF is required to open the bridge for barge traffic.
That thing seems to be in a bad place. Yes it would work and derail a train, but it seems that it would put the train in a really bad spot. Wouldn't it be better at a level spot?
The derail's purpose is to enforce the STOP signal, just in case someone tried to run it. Better that than put the train into the river.
Dont waste your time waiting. The rail closes at 4:25
redundant point. No use.
Jump tp 4:13
Skip to 4:10 - you won't miss a thing and you'll save a lot of time!
🗿🗿😱😱
Trespassing on a railroad right away..... stupid very stupid
Russell Sharp is very well known to many railroads because of who he worked for and is someone that was wanted on the property.
Too long
Hi Teddy!
Probably the most boring tail related video I've ever watched.
For your next one can we have a film of paint drying.
Es malísimo.
May Time stolen sorry