FORWARD OR REVERSE

[Anonymous]

I was wondering If a Engine ran faster in reverse or forward .I see motives go one way then return the other way .Sometimes there will be two engines one way then a third the other ,Whats the purpose of this.[8D]

[cnw1995]

I don't understand your post, scratch. Are you asking whether our toy train engines run faster in forward or in reverse? I don't think there is a real difference. Or are you asking about real-world trains in push-pull service. In my neck of the woods, Metra runs all its commuter scoots that way - with a cab car at one end and engine at the other - they run just as fast one way than the other - top speed on our line is about 65 mph. Amtrak's Hiawathas are kind of like that too except instead of a cab car - they use an old F40 that has been gutted and used as a baggage car.

[csxt30]

Hi Scratch. I believe you mean the real engs. & most RRs run point to point. They reach their destination & just run back the other way. They used to have whyes or loops or turntables to turn the engs. for the return trips, & RRs have done away with those now. Real engs. run the same, as far as I kmow, either direction. Good to hear from you again ! Thanks, John

[Anonymous]

Hey thanks Jhon and Doug . I never new this always wonderd ,Now I know. Hope everybody is good
Scratch

[lionelsoni]

There are exceptions, particularly with steam locomotives. Usually the engine works just as well either way, but the locomotive is more likely to stay on the track at high speed going forward. The PRR S2 ran only forward on its main steam turbine and had a separate small turbine for backing up