The Last Zephyr by CB Blackforest

Author:CB Blackforest
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Brad Swartzwelter
Published: 2023-08-04T19:41:02+00:00

Chapter 22

WYE

“Railroading is simple; trains go from point A to point B. It is the parts in between that can get complicated.”

—CB

Christina had moved to the lead unit, the 313, while Larry attended the conference call. Nick called her on the radio. She was excited that the satellite phones reached the dispatching center. But the message she got was grim. “Christina, this is Nick. We have a problem. The bolster on the Silver Sky looks cracked, and debris from the gate is jammed in tight. We have to set the car out.”

“Okay, we need to do a runaround and wye anyway. We can set it out on the siding from the east,” she replied.

Nick answered, “Agreed. OUT.”

Larry was back on the 313 shortly after the call. He took over that engine while Christina went to the 309. “313 to Nick. OVER.”

Nick replied, “Go. OVER.”

The engineer never willingly broke a railroad rule in his life, and he did not want to start now. “We need permission to use the wye and authority on the main and siding. OVER.”

Nick was mildly humored by the formality, considering the situation, but he agreed. Nick called Omaha on the phone. The answer came from Jack Steele. Having been a dispatcher earlier in his career, Jack was well versed in proper procedure.

“Train Number 5, you have authority to work between Milepost 58 and Prospect Junction on all tracks as needed without further permission. Possible trains ahead. OVER.”

Jack then made up a new level of track authority to keep the train moving. “And Number 5, you have permission to use whatever means are required to get by all obstacles. OVER.”

Nick replied, “Roger that,” and repeated the instructions as required by rules. Nick asked if the wye was still safe to use before the eruption. He had not seen an engine use it in years.

Jack asked him to stand by for a few minutes.

In Jack’s contacts list, he found the person in charge of track maintenance on the Moffat subdivision, a man he didn’t know, named Jake. He’s probably dead, but I’ll try, Jack thought as he dialed the number.

Seconds later, Jake’s phone rang. “Hello, Jake speaking,” he answered.

Surprised that someone answered, Jack Steele started talking. He wanted to find out what to tell Nick about the wye.

“What? You’re asking me? I’m on that train right now. Sure, the wye is serviceable. I will tell Nick and the crew myself.”

René and Jake had track teams ready to get off the train and start working on the planned wye and runaround move. The assistant conductor got on the PA. “This is the time, guys . Track teams, open your doors, and go to work.” She keyed her railroad radio mic and requested three-point protection from the engineers. HEP power went down on the train.

For everyone on board it was a depressing moment, almost like PTSD. To lose power after only an hour was something they all had to get used to.

Brake pipe and main reservoir angle cocks between the 309 and baggage car were closed.

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