Often times, Nancy Haun is in the right spot at the right time and today’s subject was one of those times. The Sperry rail testing truck was on the tracks checking the rails for defects and/or broken rails and she snapped a couple shots as it was getting on the rails and then as it approached and passed behind the Bishop Baraga Shrine!

Out of curiosity, I “Googled” ‘Sperry rail inspection truck’ for more information about what it does and this is what I came up with from a question/answer forum: “Sperry Rail Services - a division of Harsco Track Technologies of Danbury, Connecticut - operates a fleet of hi-rail trucks and self propelled rail cars to inspect track and discover internal flaws in the steel. The company has been in business for many years and is a worldwide operation. Sperry uses patented ultrasound detectors that spot defects that are otherwise not apparent. Railroads contract for periodic inspections by Sperry to lessen the possibility of broken rails.” Interesting indeed!

Nancy also recorded a video of the Sperry truck getting on the tracks in Bovine, at the fiber yard. She was given permission to do so, after assuring them what the video would be used for. Sure looks like a very precise job backing up and then lining up the rails with the metal rail wheels. I’m guessing they have cameras inside like vehicles have backup cameras nowadays.

In my 35+ years of living in the U.P. I've seen a couple of these on the tracks, and always wondered how they navigated the on-ramp. Neat!

I learned something today. I'd never
heard of this before. Thanks, Nancy

Ain’t technology great?
That has to be a most
important procedure
considering the consequences
of a derailment and the
damage it would cause not
to mention the possible
loss of life.
Good pix, video and Mary’s
commentary. Thanks Ladies
for an informative set!

Very interesting!

We have a large rail yard near where I live. I often see "plain" heavy duty pickup trucks around here with the capability to "ride the rails", but never have I noticed one with the large box full of instrumentation.

When I see the rail crewmen riding the rails in
their truck, they always look like they're having a
good time!

Really great pics/video and education, Nancy and
Mary. Nice to know that these inspections are
taking place to insure the safety of everyone.

However though Nancy, Are you sure you're not an
under cover spy for Russia, and Putin's top agent,
sent to investigate Yooper land to find out why
the YOOP is so great and why they have "the
cleanest air on earth!!??" lol JK, (just a take
off of one of my favorite musicians, Charlie
Daniels, may he rest in peace).

I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet, but
I'll vouch for your character!!:=)) I knew right
away that this was your post and we were about to
learn something interesting, like only you & Mary
can bring it to us.

PS. Mary was nice enough to put an updated pic on
my profile, since I'm technology challenged if you
care to see "The Boys". Thanks as always Mary.

Don't mean to ramble on but I had my Picc Line
removed today and I'm a couple weeks out from
being healed up I believe, god willing. Have a
great evening Pasty Family. Also, the pics the
last few days have been outstanding as usual, and
I too have never heard the "Black Rocks" referred
to as Pirates Cove before... interesting.

I think Finnigan & Whitaker, the Boys, would be good
pals with Jeff's, celebrity, Fritz. Maybe they'll be
able to meet this summer and run the beach in Big/
Little Traverse....