Whilst riding a commuter train on the UP West Line into Chicago this morning (4/18) , my train passed a stopped freight train just west of Lombard (UP often holds trains at this location). As we ran past, I got a fleeting glance of a heavyweight passenger car in the middle of the train. It appeared to have been freshly painted in Pullman green, but the windows were boarded up (probably to prevent vandalism). Also, the body may have been on a flatcar off its trucks, but I couldn't tell for sure given the brief look I was able to get.

Anyone have any info on this?

Bob,

It is likely these are the cars headed to The Everett Railroad in PA, it's nice to know exactly where they are.

For more info, see this thread: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=46411

Yes, the two heavyweights going to the Everett Railroad were at Lombard this morning. They are traveling with their trucks but aboard XTTX flat cars.

- Alan Maples
Everett Railroad

@Alan
Congatulations for the two beautys.

Just curious about when the transport start in CA. The old threat show them loaded on or
before 23 March.
Did they need 27 days from CA to IL? If so I am not wondering about supply shortages.

The real delay was getting flat cars, which took about four months. Patience is a virtue when dealing with railroads.

The cars were loaded March 22nd but didn't leave Fillmore until April 6. Tie down and inspection took a few days and it's my understanding that UP only goes to Santa Paula once a week or so. We got a good move as far as West Colton and then sat about five days until the clearance bureau gave instructions to get them out of town. Once they caught a road train they made good time to Chicago but have been delayed trying to get into BRC's Clearing Yard. It appears UP manually schedules dimensional loads which is probably a good thing so they don't accidently get mishandled.

We typically see about 14- to 16-day transit time on lumber shipments from northern California to Pennsylvania via UP-NS.

- Alan Maples
Everett Railroad