What are they doing?

[Anonymous]

Seen this picture and have no idea why they need to connect all those cables.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=72120

Karn[:)]

[mvlandsw]

The cables are probably for external power to light , heat, or cool the train. The train can be kept ready to receive passengers without keeping the locomotive running.

[TH&B]

Good question, not all passenger trains need this much plug in when parked.

[Anonymous]

mvlandsw,

I guess the same way as your. I think it might be that they turn the heaters on during the harsh winter month in Canada all night, but I afraid if my guess is wrong. The look alike yellow handle connected at the top of the coupler is the one I can't think of. Anyone can tell what is it for?

Karn[:)]

[Anonymous]

I believe the yellow handle has to do with the train brake line. Some yards have air piped out to the train so that the system doesn't need the locomotive running to keep it charged. It might also save on brake test time, too.

Erik