When CN runs a unit through Marshfield, WI.....
The unit has 3 Locomotive pulling, and 1 Locomoitive pushing, how many Engineers are required?
JOHN DEANWhen CN runs a unit through Marshfield, WI..... The unit has 3 Locomotive pulling, and 1 Locomoitive pushing, how many Engineers are required?
Presuming that the CN is using Distributed Power for the pusher - One Engineer.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
JOHN DEANThe unit has 3 Locomotive pulling, and 1 Locomoitive pushing, how many Engineers are required?
To expand on Balt's answer - a number of locomotives can be connected (MU'd or multiple unit) so they operate as one.
This is actually how the early F units were designed to work - an A and B unit were originally connected with a drawbar.
There are limitations on how many locomotives can work together. I'll let someone else address that, if you like. Back in the day it was not unusual to see a half dozen locomotives all together, all on line. Nowadays, if you see more than two or three, the rest will likely just be along for the ride.
As Balt notes - if the train is using distributed power (DPU), the engineer in the lead unit controls the rear (or mid-train) units via radio.
If the unit on the rear was added as a helper for some short grade (there are still some few helper districts), it will have its own engineer.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
With the mention of helpers comes another question: Is there a second man on a helper who uncouples the helper when its task is done? If so, is he a brakeman?
Johnny
DeggestyWith the mention of helpers comes another question: Is there a second man on a helper who uncouples the helper when its task is done? If so, is he a brakeman?
On CSX there is a brakeman that is on the Helper crew. He is not designated as a Conductor. In Helper Districts, a device known as a 'Helper Link' permits Helpers to cut off on the fly. With Helper Link the air connection between the train and the helper is a electronic one. Air on the train is handled by the Engineer on the lead locomotive. Without Helper Link, the train must be stopped and anglecocks turned to allow separation without placing the train in emergency, as without Helper Link the Helper's air line is physically connected to the train's air line.
Thanks, Balt. I take that there is still a brakeman who puts the Link to work.
When I worked for Conrail we were only allowed to have 24 traction motors on line. Anymore than 24, it was feared, would put undue strain on knuckles and draw bars.
nyc#25 When I worked for Conrail we were only allowed to have 24 traction motors on line. Anymore than 24, it was feared, would put undue strain on knuckles and draw bars.
CSX Helper Instructions - between Cumberland & Grafton
CSX Mountain Sub TTSI 5. INSTRUCTIONS RELATING TO AIR BRAKE ANDTRAIN HANDLING RULES5559 STEEP GRADE (1% OR MORE) TRAIN HANDLING1. Unit Trains:For head-end movement only, the allowable speed is 15MPH while descending the following grades:BA 207.8 and BA 223.0 - Seventeen Mile GradeBA 242.3 and BA 252.3 - Cranberry GradeBA 255.1 and BA 259.3 - Cheat River GradeBA 262.0 and BA 267.4 - Newburg Grade2. All Trains – If speed cannot be maintained at or belowthe authorized speed for the train descending thegrades listed above:A. The train must be stopped immediately by making anemergency brake application of the air brakes including theoperation of the two-way EOT emergency toggle switch.B. The train dispatcher must be contacted.C. After stopping a minimum of 50% of train hand brakesmust be applied before the recharging procedure is initiated.D. The brake pipe must be recharged for a minimum of 20minutes. The rear car air pressure must be within 5 PSI ofthe pressure shown on the HTD when the head end of thetrain began the descent.E. After recharging the air brake system to the required rearcar air pressure, a 6 to 8 pounds brake pipe reduction mustbe made. After the brake pipe exhaust ceases, each car willbe visually inspected to determine the brakes are applied,piston travel is within standards and brake shoes are againsteach wheel.F. The train may proceed only after being authorized by theRoad Foreman of Engines or the Trainmaster. If needed,hand brakes may be left on the train to supplement train airbrakes descending the remainder of the grade. To preventsliding of wheels, avoid leaving hand brakes on any emptycars.Note: Should the train separate, hand brakes must beapplied to each portion of the train to hold each section onthe grade.G. Stopped on Grades – When recharging the train air brakesystem on descending grades of 1% or more, recharge thebrake system for a minimum of 20 minutes.Note: During temperatures less than 32 degrees orinclement weather, additional charging time may be required.Trains must not proceed until the brake pipe is properlycharged.3. Train Brakes – Engineers are prohibited from making arunning release of the train air brakes on all trains at thefollowing locations:BA 207.8 and BA 223.0 - Seventeen Mile GradeEngineers are prohibited from making a running release ofthe train air brakes on unit trains. Mixed manifest trains maymake a running release if the tonnage of the train is lessthan 4,800 tons. These restrictions apply when the head endof the train is between the following locations:BA 242.3 and BA 252.3 - Cranberry GradeBA 255.1 and BA 259.3 - Cheat River GradeBA 262.0 and BA 267.4 - Newburg Grade4. Descending Seventeen Mile Grade (BA 207.8 – BA223.0)A. Engineers of trains over 5,000 tons will reduce power topermit the train to pass the summit of the grade at BA 223.1at no more than 10 MPH.B. As soon as train speed starts to increase, a minimumreduction of brake pipe pressure will be made and thedynamic brake applied.C. Further reductions of the brake pipe pressure andmodulation of the dynamic brake will be used to control trainspeed.5. Eastward Manifest Trains -A. Eastward Manifest Trains without rear-end helpers will notexceed 5,000 tons ascending Newburg and Cranberrygrades.B. Eastward Manifest Trains exceeding 5,000 tons with rearendhelpers operating from Grafton to Piedmont must have aminimum of 10 loaded cars on the head end of the train anda minimum of 8 loaded on the rear end of the train. Theloaded cars must weigh 70 tons or greater and must not becars 80 feet or longer.C. Manifest Trains exceeding 7,000 tons must have thehelper cut-in the train at a point where the head end tonnagedoes not exceed 7,000 tons. The eight cars preceding thehelper must be loaded cars weighing 70 tons or greater andmust not be cars 80 feet or longer.6. Westward Trains –A. Westward Trains other than solid empty hopper andloaded unit trains ascending the following grades without arear end helper must not exceed the following tonnage:1. Seventeen Mile Grade – 3,500 tons2. Cheat River Grade – 4,500 tonsB. Westward empty hopper trains and loaded unit trainsascending the following grades without a rear end helpermust not exceed the following tonnage:1. Seventeen Mile Grade – 4,500 tons2. Cheat River Grade – 4,800 tonsC. Westward Manifest Trains ascending Seventeen MileGrade that exceed 5,000 tons require a two unit rear endhelper.Note: One AC unit will be considered the same as a two unithelper.D. Westward empty unit trains ascending Seventeen MileGrade without a helper must not exceed 130 cars.E. Westward empty unit trains between 116 and 130 carsthat stall while ascending Seventeen Mile Grade will notattempt to restart the train without a rear end helper unlessauthorized by the Road Foreman of Engines or theTrainmaster. If instructed to attempt a restart, the engineermust first review Rule 5651 for proper understanding andapplication.7. Dynamic Brake RequirementsBefore descending the following grades, each locomotiveused to meet the equivalent dynamic brake axle shownbelow must be tested to ensure the dynamic brakes areoperating.Trains descending Seventeen Mile, Cranberry, Cheat Riverand Newburg Grades at speeds of less than 20 MPH musthave the following minimum number of operating equivalentdynamic brake axle values for the tonnage listed.Note: The following Dynamic Brake values are for head endonly consists:A) Less than 2,500 tons, a min of 4-axles operating inDynamic Brake.B) Between 2,501 and 3,500 tons, a min of 6-axles operatingin Dynamic Brake.C) Between 3,501 and 6,000 tons, a min 8-axles operating inDynamic Brake.D) Between 6,001 and 8,000 tons, a min of 12-axlesoperating in Dynamic Brake.E) Over 8,001 tons, a min 16-axles operating in DynamicBrake.8. Instructions for Specific LocationBeall Street – Eastward trains held at Beall Street must stopwest of the overhead bridge at BA 179.9 away from allresidences, and report arrival time to the train dispatcher.5600 HELPER SERVICEA. Helper Locomotives - used to shove the rear of trains onthe Mountain Subdivision are limited to 18 axles of power.If a helper consist has more than 18 axles of power, thehelper must be cut into the train. The train dispatcher willdetermine the exact location to cut the helper in the trainthrough communications with either the Road Foreman ofEngines or Trainmaster.Amperage equivalents for AC locomotives are measured inpounds of tractive effort. For the purpose of limiting power,the following will govern:1,000 amps = 120,000 lbs per AC locomotive800 amps = 90,000 lbs per AC locomotive650 amps = 72,000 lbs per AC locomotiveB. Helper Locomotive – Between Hardman and Terra Alta.Manifest Trains – Helper engineers will limit power to 1,000amps loadmeter reading, using trainline power reduction asfollows:Number Axles Loadmeter Reading12 No Limit14 1225 Amps16 1100 Amps18 1000 Amps20 925 Amps22 850 Amps24 800 AmpsC. Rowlesburg – Helper engineers assisting trains off thesiding at Rowlesburg, will use only sufficient power to startthe train. After the train is started, the helper will not exceedthe third throttle position until east of plant at McMillian.D. Westward Helpers – Helper engineers assisting trainsbetween Piedmont and Altamont on No 1 Track willendeavor to cut off before passing the westwardintermediate signal at BA 223.5 at Altamont and be governedby the train dispatcher's instructions. If the helper passes theWestward Intermediate Signal, the train dispatcherspermission must be granted before making a reversemovement, as provided by Rule 509.1.E. In-Train Helper - Eastward Trains with an in-train helper,will cut the helper out at Rinard Siding.F. Eastward Helpers - Helper engineers will begin reducingthe throttle in the vicinity of West End in order to have thethrottle in Position #1 or less in the vicinity of TunneltonStation. If further assistance is needed, the Helper Engineerwill communicate with the Head End Engineer. This does notprevent the helper from shoving slack in at requiredlocations.G. BA 280.0 - BA 223.0 - Helper Crews will have an EOT onthe locomotive consist attached to the coupler on the WestEnd Locomotive, and a brake stick must be available in thelocomotive. The batteries will be removed from the EOT.Crews will keep charged batteries in the locomotive cab. Ifthe EOT fails on the train that is being shoved, crew willchange batteries on the EOT to prevent delay.5655 INCLEMENT WEATHER TRAIN BRAKINGLocations of heavy snow operation on descending gradesaveraging in excess of 1.25% or greater for more than 3miles are listed below. Instruction governing these gradescan be found in Division Special Instructions:MP Average GradeBA 261.0 - BA 267.0 1.87%BA 254.5 - BA 258.8 1.99%BA 242.5 - BA 251.2 2.11%BA 219.0 - BA 224.3 1.39%BA 207.8 - BA 219.0 2.21%Special Instructions for Snow Accumulation In Excessof 18 Inches:During periods of snowfall accumulation in excess of 18inches, track where heavy descending grades are threemiles or longer, and 1.5% or greater, should be plowed witha spreader or other plow when possible. Snowplows onlocomotives should only be used as a last resort, as they donot move snow away from track structure sufficiently toprotect freight car braking systems. This plowing should bedone at least ten miles prior to and include the heavydescending grade when possible. This is done ahead of thegrade in order that the brake system can be warmed by atrain brake application without re-icing prior to gradedescent.When snow accumulations have exceeded 18 inches, notrains, except light engines may descend these grades untilthe following:a) The grade and track 5 miles preceding the grade havebeen traversed not more than 1 hour previous to additionaltrain movements, orb) It has been determined that roadbed snow level does notexceed 18 inches.MP Average GradeBA 207.0 - BA 223.0 1.50%BA 242.0 - BA 269.0 1.50%
5. INSTRUCTIONS RELATING TO AIR BRAKE ANDTRAIN HANDLING RULES5559 STEEP GRADE (1% OR MORE) TRAIN HANDLING1. Unit Trains:For head-end movement only, the allowable speed is 15MPH while descending the following grades:BA 207.8 and BA 223.0 - Seventeen Mile GradeBA 242.3 and BA 252.3 - Cranberry GradeBA 255.1 and BA 259.3 - Cheat River GradeBA 262.0 and BA 267.4 - Newburg Grade2. All Trains – If speed cannot be maintained at or belowthe authorized speed for the train descending thegrades listed above:A. The train must be stopped immediately by making anemergency brake application of the air brakes including theoperation of the two-way EOT emergency toggle switch.B. The train dispatcher must be contacted.C. After stopping a minimum of 50% of train hand brakesmust be applied before the recharging procedure is initiated.D. The brake pipe must be recharged for a minimum of 20minutes. The rear car air pressure must be within 5 PSI ofthe pressure shown on the HTD when the head end of thetrain began the descent.E. After recharging the air brake system to the required rearcar air pressure, a 6 to 8 pounds brake pipe reduction mustbe made. After the brake pipe exhaust ceases, each car willbe visually inspected to determine the brakes are applied,piston travel is within standards and brake shoes are againsteach wheel.F. The train may proceed only after being authorized by theRoad Foreman of Engines or the Trainmaster. If needed,hand brakes may be left on the train to supplement train airbrakes descending the remainder of the grade. To preventsliding of wheels, avoid leaving hand brakes on any emptycars.Note: Should the train separate, hand brakes must beapplied to each portion of the train to hold each section onthe grade.G. Stopped on Grades – When recharging the train air brakesystem on descending grades of 1% or more, recharge thebrake system for a minimum of 20 minutes.Note: During temperatures less than 32 degrees orinclement weather, additional charging time may be required.Trains must not proceed until the brake pipe is properlycharged.3. Train Brakes – Engineers are prohibited from making arunning release of the train air brakes on all trains at thefollowing locations:BA 207.8 and BA 223.0 - Seventeen Mile GradeEngineers are prohibited from making a running release ofthe train air brakes on unit trains. Mixed manifest trains maymake a running release if the tonnage of the train is lessthan 4,800 tons. These restrictions apply when the head endof the train is between the following locations:BA 242.3 and BA 252.3 - Cranberry GradeBA 255.1 and BA 259.3 - Cheat River GradeBA 262.0 and BA 267.4 - Newburg Grade4. Descending Seventeen Mile Grade (BA 207.8 – BA223.0)A. Engineers of trains over 5,000 tons will reduce power topermit the train to pass the summit of the grade at BA 223.1at no more than 10 MPH.B. As soon as train speed starts to increase, a minimumreduction of brake pipe pressure will be made and thedynamic brake applied.C. Further reductions of the brake pipe pressure andmodulation of the dynamic brake will be used to control trainspeed.5. Eastward Manifest Trains -A. Eastward Manifest Trains without rear-end helpers will notexceed 5,000 tons ascending Newburg and Cranberrygrades.B. Eastward Manifest Trains exceeding 5,000 tons with rearendhelpers operating from Grafton to Piedmont must have aminimum of 10 loaded cars on the head end of the train anda minimum of 8 loaded on the rear end of the train. Theloaded cars must weigh 70 tons or greater and must not becars 80 feet or longer.C. Manifest Trains exceeding 7,000 tons must have thehelper cut-in the train at a point where the head end tonnagedoes not exceed 7,000 tons. The eight cars preceding thehelper must be loaded cars weighing 70 tons or greater andmust not be cars 80 feet or longer.6. Westward Trains –A. Westward Trains other than solid empty hopper andloaded unit trains ascending the following grades without arear end helper must not exceed the following tonnage:1. Seventeen Mile Grade – 3,500 tons2. Cheat River Grade – 4,500 tonsB. Westward empty hopper trains and loaded unit trainsascending the following grades without a rear end helpermust not exceed the following tonnage:1. Seventeen Mile Grade – 4,500 tons2. Cheat River Grade – 4,800 tonsC. Westward Manifest Trains ascending Seventeen MileGrade that exceed 5,000 tons require a two unit rear endhelper.Note: One AC unit will be considered the same as a two unithelper.D. Westward empty unit trains ascending Seventeen MileGrade without a helper must not exceed 130 cars.E. Westward empty unit trains between 116 and 130 carsthat stall while ascending Seventeen Mile Grade will notattempt to restart the train without a rear end helper unlessauthorized by the Road Foreman of Engines or theTrainmaster. If instructed to attempt a restart, the engineermust first review Rule 5651 for proper understanding andapplication.7. Dynamic Brake RequirementsBefore descending the following grades, each locomotiveused to meet the equivalent dynamic brake axle shownbelow must be tested to ensure the dynamic brakes areoperating.Trains descending Seventeen Mile, Cranberry, Cheat Riverand Newburg Grades at speeds of less than 20 MPH musthave the following minimum number of operating equivalentdynamic brake axle values for the tonnage listed.Note: The following Dynamic Brake values are for head endonly consists:A) Less than 2,500 tons, a min of 4-axles operating inDynamic Brake.B) Between 2,501 and 3,500 tons, a min of 6-axles operatingin Dynamic Brake.C) Between 3,501 and 6,000 tons, a min 8-axles operating inDynamic Brake.D) Between 6,001 and 8,000 tons, a min of 12-axlesoperating in Dynamic Brake.E) Over 8,001 tons, a min 16-axles operating in DynamicBrake.8. Instructions for Specific LocationBeall Street – Eastward trains held at Beall Street must stopwest of the overhead bridge at BA 179.9 away from allresidences, and report arrival time to the train dispatcher.5600 HELPER SERVICEA. Helper Locomotives - used to shove the rear of trains onthe Mountain Subdivision are limited to 18 axles of power.If a helper consist has more than 18 axles of power, thehelper must be cut into the train. The train dispatcher willdetermine the exact location to cut the helper in the trainthrough communications with either the Road Foreman ofEngines or Trainmaster.Amperage equivalents for AC locomotives are measured inpounds of tractive effort. For the purpose of limiting power,the following will govern:1,000 amps = 120,000 lbs per AC locomotive800 amps = 90,000 lbs per AC locomotive650 amps = 72,000 lbs per AC locomotiveB. Helper Locomotive – Between Hardman and Terra Alta.Manifest Trains – Helper engineers will limit power to 1,000amps loadmeter reading, using trainline power reduction asfollows:Number Axles Loadmeter Reading12 No Limit14 1225 Amps16 1100 Amps18 1000 Amps20 925 Amps22 850 Amps24 800 AmpsC. Rowlesburg – Helper engineers assisting trains off thesiding at Rowlesburg, will use only sufficient power to startthe train. After the train is started, the helper will not exceedthe third throttle position until east of plant at McMillian.D. Westward Helpers – Helper engineers assisting trainsbetween Piedmont and Altamont on No 1 Track willendeavor to cut off before passing the westwardintermediate signal at BA 223.5 at Altamont and be governedby the train dispatcher's instructions. If the helper passes theWestward Intermediate Signal, the train dispatcherspermission must be granted before making a reversemovement, as provided by Rule 509.1.E. In-Train Helper - Eastward Trains with an in-train helper,will cut the helper out at Rinard Siding.F. Eastward Helpers - Helper engineers will begin reducingthe throttle in the vicinity of West End in order to have thethrottle in Position #1 or less in the vicinity of TunneltonStation. If further assistance is needed, the Helper Engineerwill communicate with the Head End Engineer. This does notprevent the helper from shoving slack in at requiredlocations.G. BA 280.0 - BA 223.0 - Helper Crews will have an EOT onthe locomotive consist attached to the coupler on the WestEnd Locomotive, and a brake stick must be available in thelocomotive. The batteries will be removed from the EOT.Crews will keep charged batteries in the locomotive cab. Ifthe EOT fails on the train that is being shoved, crew willchange batteries on the EOT to prevent delay.5655 INCLEMENT WEATHER TRAIN BRAKINGLocations of heavy snow operation on descending gradesaveraging in excess of 1.25% or greater for more than 3miles are listed below. Instruction governing these gradescan be found in Division Special Instructions:MP Average GradeBA 261.0 - BA 267.0 1.87%BA 254.5 - BA 258.8 1.99%BA 242.5 - BA 251.2 2.11%BA 219.0 - BA 224.3 1.39%BA 207.8 - BA 219.0 2.21%Special Instructions for Snow Accumulation In Excessof 18 Inches:During periods of snowfall accumulation in excess of 18inches, track where heavy descending grades are threemiles or longer, and 1.5% or greater, should be plowed witha spreader or other plow when possible. Snowplows onlocomotives should only be used as a last resort, as they donot move snow away from track structure sufficiently toprotect freight car braking systems. This plowing should bedone at least ten miles prior to and include the heavydescending grade when possible. This is done ahead of thegrade in order that the brake system can be warmed by atrain brake application without re-icing prior to gradedescent.When snow accumulations have exceeded 18 inches, notrains, except light engines may descend these grades untilthe following:a) The grade and track 5 miles preceding the grade havebeen traversed not more than 1 hour previous to additionaltrain movements, orb) It has been determined that roadbed snow level does notexceed 18 inches.MP Average GradeBA 207.0 - BA 223.0 1.50%BA 242.0 - BA 269.0 1.50%
Getting trains up and down the mountains is fall off the log easy! [/sarcasm]
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