Local Power

[ericsp]

I saw a UP local train today with a GP40-2 and an SW1500 on it. Usually this train only has a GP40-2. Occasionally, a local train will operate for a few weeks with two locomotives (usually 2 GP40-2s or a GP40-2 and GP38-2, GP15-1, or SW1500) that normally has only one GP40-2. The trains do not seem any longer than they are when they operate with only one GP40-2. Anyone care to speculate on why they sometimes have two locomotives?

[DPD1]

Could be that they prefer to have two, but just don't have a second available sometimes... Or maybe certain units are more dependable then others.

Dave
Los Angeles, CA
-DPD Productions - Home of the TrainTenna RR Monitoring Antenna-
http://eje.railfan.net/dpdp/

[joegreen]

In My area CN operates the local area with only one engine(a GP38-2). Sometimes they use two but that is if it has a long train.

Occassionally they use GP38ACs,GP40s and even IC SD40-2s and WC SD45s when no 4 axle engines are available.

[dwil89]

The locals on NS between Altoona and Johnstown in Conrail days used to use primarily GP38's....they also used SD45-2's and SD40-2's. Usually multiple unitsin a push-pull configuration to facilitate switching moves. Now, the SD80MAC bruisers do alot of this...You'll see a 10 car local with 2 MACS on them push-pull. They also use the 80MACS on the local coal runs, such as the South Fork Secondary, but you'll get other modern 6 axle, along with SD40-2's and GP38's on that run also. Around the Harrisburg to Enola area, I hear alot of numbers on the scanner corresponding to NS Highhood units used on locals around there.. shuttling cars between Enola and Harrisburg for example. The switchers in Enola Yard typically consist of an NS Highhood GP38-2 mated to a SW1500 or MP15DC. Dave Williams http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nsaltoonajohnstown

[Anonymous]

Often, a local will be used to reposition power. For instance, if the local you see operates from an outlying terminal, the 2nd engine may be there to take the place of the "regular" engine, as its 92 day inspection may be due. The "regular" will need to go to a terminal where the inspection can be completed.

[Anonymous]

I used to work for the NS on the Lake Division, locals usualy have two locomotives in case one fails, a train blocking a main line because of a fail locomotive is a big no no. The line I worked on is predominatly single track with passing sidings, plus is the dispatcher gets a call for additional cars to be picked up, then you have the power to do this. Cheers Mike

[ericsp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SRVfan

Often, a local will be used to reposition power. For instance, if the local you see operates from an outlying terminal, the 2nd engine may be there to take the place of the "regular" engine, as its 92 day inspection may be due. The "regular" will need to go to a terminal where the inspection can be completed.

These locals return to the yard they came from without ever going to another yard.