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07-AUG-2006 Dave Beedon

Crossing identification sign

Near BNSF's South Seattle Yard view map


Every railroad crossing in the country has an identifying number, assigned by the Department of Transportation. This is to help in the reporting of accidents (and probably other things).

This is on Airport Way South in Seattle, at the spur that runs from BNSF’s main line to the Unified Grocers (formerly Associated Grocers) warehouse across the street. The spur track is behind the pole. When I visited the area in September 2008 I saw for the first time that the spur had been severed. It was intact during my previous visit in December 2006.

My vantage point was at the center of this WikiMapia aerial view. This iamgery was captured after the spur had been severed.

The spur is intact in this zoomed-in Bing maps imagery displayed through Wikimapia (linked to in September 2013). Eventually the imagery will be updated and the spur will disappear.


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John Hastings19-Oct-2006 14:22
Its some time since I was in touch so an interim report is apt. Work on the compiler is progressing, albeit slowly given we have a bit of mission creep.

You will be celebrating the recently confirmed 44th Mersenne prime http://www.mersenne.org), of course. That research builds up from the highest know prime. Our compiler will eschew the pedestrian approach and work back from infinity.

How many punch cards do you have to hand?
Guest 13-Oct-2006 12:09
Thanks for the clarification, Dave. I thought D.O.T. stood for "dot", and that railway crossings were obviously located using a dot matrix superimposed over detailed quad maps of the U.S. (computerized, of course), with each dot having a number and a GPS coordinate. I now see that I took an unwarranted leap to a conclusion based on an over-active imagination.
Dave Beedon27-Sep-2006 22:00
John, please tell me more about your spam filter---I was inundated with pleas.
John Hastings26-Sep-2006 18:08
I will indeed keep you abreast of the research. And I thank you for the local intelligence. Our (for I assume you are on board with this) research methodology will be entirely graffiti-proof. I have begun work on a 5th generation FORTRAN compiler to closely integrate the US DoT’s Railroad database with Google Earth®.

Some field work will be required to corroborate our work. This will be restricted initially to the Renton area to minimise your personal inconvenience. Access to a geographically wider base of agents may bring an earlier conclusion.

Now this is the sensitive part and I hope you take it well. Whilst not prejudging the outcome of our research, evidence already in our possession suggests all crossing numbers are not prime. I think it advisable to mention this in the caption (not the small print) of this image. I would not want a research associate vulnerable to accusations of sensationalist reporting. I’m sure you understand the precaution

I have no association with Mensa. Coincidentally, Mensa International’s search for an Executive Director is about to conclude. Not one of their pleas breached my spam filter.
Dave Beedon26-Sep-2006 02:09
The Chief Mathematician is eager to hear about the progress of your commissioned research; please keep me informed. Your ability to connect far-flung examples of obscure concepts is impressive. Are you a member of MENSA? One thing to keep in mind is that graffiti artists with knowledge of advanced mathematics are known to deface these signs to create the apparent discrepancy you mention. It's an infinite problem with a limited solution.
John Hastings25-Sep-2006 20:21
Moore’s other law states that computation expands to match the available funding, so I have commissioned my own research. My source http://www.pbase.com/image/47609862) is unverified but suggests not all crossing numbers are primes.
Dave Beedon25-Sep-2006 17:59
John, for months our Advanced Mathematics Group has been toiling away with a phalanx of abaci, trying to determine an answer. Because of slight deviations in the earth's axis, there is a constant need to re-calibrate the instruments of calculation, which forces the process to resume from the starting point. Although the persons involved in the effort are dismayed by the Repetitive Setback Loop, they are getting some satisfaction from approaching an understanding of the concept of infinity. The answer to your question awaits discovery.
John Hastings25-Sep-2006 16:03
Whilst we’re on the subject, are only prime numbers assigned to these crossings? If not, might this image constitute disinformation?
Dave Beedon17-Aug-2006 01:49
As I have said before, my mission is to document and educate. I eschew silliness and disinformation. Trust me.
1moremile16-Aug-2006 02:16
Like I said before, you can learn stuff on pbase. You are very knowledgeable about this and I like that, Dave.
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