Switcher on the mainline

[FJ and G]

Whenever I see a model train switcher, it is performing switching or shortline duties; never on the busiest mainlines.

But twice in the last few weeks, I saw a CSX MP-18 switcher in lashup with Dash-8s and other big, modern motive power. This is the CSX mainline between NY & Florida.

At first I thought they were merely moving the switcher to another place for switching duties or to scrap it; but a group of railfans at Alexandria station told me it is common to run them with mainline engines and that the engine was reworked.

I'll need to rethink my little switcher's duties now

Dave Vergun

[Anonymous]

FJandG;Ya still see'em around but they are fewer and fewer in numbers.
The railroad I work for uses two GP38s back to back,Mostly due to the dynamic brakeing that the switchers dont have.
Where we run in central Indiana and Illinois and it's hills and hollers with a short train {20 cars or so} will beat you to death if your not a good streatch break and dynamic user .
the little switchers would work but up and down the hills needs the extra horses to not only pull the hill but if it's a short steep dip keep the train streched so the rear end don't clobber you while it comes down the hill!!!

[Dr. John]

Yeah, the MP series was EMD's last switcher type locomotive. They stretched out the SW-1500 frame to allow Blomberg road switcher trucks to be used, allowing the MPs to be viable road units as well as yard switchers. Some of the later SW1200s and SW-1500s with Flexicoil trucks were also used on occasion as road units.