DBLSTK Double-Stacks for Saudi Arabia

These sky-blue single-well double-stack cars were built for the Saudi Arabian rail network. Built in Hamilton and destined for shipping from Montreal. 

The cars were reportedly awaiting pickup in Hamilton in October and November, 2010. On October 30, 2010 I observed DBLSTK 8462-8491 eastbound on CN No 368. On November 3, I observed DBLSTK 8553-8449-8502-8465-8482-8496. First three in top three photos on a foggy morning at Collins Bay.

('Builder's photo' of a similar, earlier car taken at Johnstown America Kasgro in New Castle, PA, on March 1, 2007 by Darrall Swift)

The double-stack cars did not have reporting marks other than denoting the car type, also some in Arabic script. Can you imagine reporting marks like this on our railways? BXCR 1000?

In Saudi Arabian service, they sure kick up the sand!

Running extra...

Another excellent travelogue with lots of VIAriety by inVIAterate train rider Tim Hayman. Ventures, Rens and Budds in one post, oh my! Climb aboard with Tim here.

Gone. Back. Gone. Back. Facebook can't make up its mind. After a second three-day suspension of my account for 'cybersecurity' community standards supposed violation, I once again have access to the platform. Until September 24...third suspension. What The F-Unit?

Jimmy Kimmel is back. "He has no ratings!" until his welcome back show on Sept. 23. "I do tonight!"

First past the post...

I was recently at a family wedding, and one speaker pondered aloud,  'If your phone was not working for a week, who would the people be that would try to get ahold of you?'. When Facebook suspends you,  it's like your phone is dead. Thanks to the people who contacted me while I occupied the void. They know who they are! They have to know, because to read back their Facebook messages, I'd have to have access to...oh,  never mind. Email still works.