Day 2, Melter #2: Made it to Marsing

The melter assembly departed from Moreland, Idaho, at 7:00 a.m. It traveled nearly 300 miles and reached Marsing, Idaho, by 5:20 p.m. The caravan experienced a touch of snowfall just west of Arco, Idaho, but it did not impact travel. The melter assembly was able to proceed slowly and safely through the area.

Weather, including snow, ice, rain, and fog, is always a concern when traveling at this time of year and with loads of this size. Fog, in particular, impairs visibility not only for the drivers in the caravan but for all drivers. This creates a hazard because other drivers may approach the transporter too quickly and without knowing it. When foggy conditions do exist, the caravan may be required to delay departure or pull off the road until the fog lifts.

Starting point: Moreland, Idaho
Ending point: Marsing, Idaho
Miles traveled: 300
Hours traveled: 9.25
Average speed: 32.1 miles per hour
Maximum speed: 44 miles per hour

The melter assembly makes a splash traveling down a hill in Idaho. (View larger image.)

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Interesting fact: A nine-person crews travels with the melter assembly; it consists of a driver for the truck in front (the pull truck), a driver for the truck in back (the push truck), a driver for the support truck, a mechanic, a back-up driver who also assists in steering the transporter around corners and four escorts. The escorts can also act as back-up drivers.

(View larger image.)

(View larger image.)

(View larger image.)

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