4 replies to this topic

[sd40t-2]

Was wondering if anyone can comment on procedures for a possible rope evac on Sugar Bowl's Gondola where cabins are over what is now Union Pacific Railroad's mainline? What about a haul rope repalcement/servicing that would foul the mainline?

Was something worked out with the Southern Pacific (SP) (Union Pacific's predecessor) back when the lift was installed? I know the area changed a bit in the early 90's when the SP demolished the Norden servicing structures but I'm unclear on the exact details and if the structrues came into proximity of the lift.

Any info would be appreciated,

'Dee'
SLC, UT

This post has been edited by sd40t-2: 30 December 2013 - 04:52 PM

[Peter]

sd40t-2, on 30 December 2013 - 04:46 PM, said:

Was wondering if anyone can comment on procedures for a possible rope evac on Sugar Bowl's Gondola where cabins are over what is now Union Pacific Railroad's mainline? What about a haul rope repalcement/servicing that would foul the mainline?

Was something worked out with the Southern Pacific (SP) (Union Pacific's predecessor) back when the lift was installed? I know the area changed a bit in the early 90's when the SP demolished the Norden servicing structures but I'm unclear on the exact details and if the structrues came into proximity of the lift.

Any info would be appreciated,

'Dee'
SLC, UT

The Aerial Tram in Portland, Oregon goes over 10 lanes of Interstate 5 as well as a bunch of other roads and a light rail line. They used temporary towers to string the haul rope.

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[liftmech]

Unless the UP runs trains back-to-back, I'm sure there would be minor inconvenience for the railroad in the event of a haul rope replacement. A rope evac would definitely be a different story; I'd guess that the UP's local dispatch number is posted on the wall of Sugar Bowl's own dispatch office just in case.

[pp492]

Most LEP (lift evacuation procedures) use a tagline to direct the evacuation device. The evacuation device would be 'pulled' to either side of the tracks as it is being lowered. This is also used when ropeways cross rivers, cliffs, other lifts, etc.

[sd40t-2]

liftmech, on 30 December 2013 - 08:11 PM, said:

Unless the UP runs trains back-to-back, I'm sure there would be minor inconvenience for the railroad in the event of a haul rope replacement. A rope evac would definitely be a different story; I'd guess that the UP's local dispatch number is posted on the wall of Sugar Bowl's own dispatch office just in case.

I know UP is running a more substantial amount of traffic over this line than they did a few years ago. They spent a fair amount of money to lower the level of the the "Big Hole" (Tunnel 42 - west portal is just east of the Sugar Bowl gondola). I don't know numbers but most traffic that was once routed through the Feather River Canyon near Portola, California is now routed over Donner Pass.

I'll inquire of those with knowledge of Southern Pacific. I would guess that logistical arangements between Sugar Bowl and the railroad were made back in the 'SP Days' (pre-1996) and UP would have absorbed those practices.

Thanks for the info so far.....