The next day on July 14th I learned there was a UP track inspection car running between Sweetwater and Fort Worth over the Baird Sub near the house. I got together with friend Paul Beverung and his grandson Nathan before we camped out at a private crossing just west of his house in Annetta. At 12:17 pm the UP EC-4 came by pulled by two units with an empty 86-foot intermodal car in between.
When delivered the EC-4 was self-propelled but it is my understanding that it developed severe and expensive transmission issues. One reason the issue has not been fixed may be due to newer rules regarding a minimum number of axles required to properly activate modern grade crossing protection equipment. In this case that requirement is satisfied by the two locomotives and the flat car. Anyone who knows for sure is welcome to comment.
