NS Manned Helpers for Horseshoe Curve

[xjqcf]

Paul_D_North_Jr

As of about 5 years ago most of the helpers were based at Cresson - unusual, at the top of a mountain; at the base is more common, such as Altoona.

Anyway, they would be attached at East Altoona as above and also a little outside (east?) of Johnstown, and then usually run through to the other end.  Sometimes they would cut off at Gallitzin, esp. the WB ones after coming up the East Slope. 

What the operating pattern today is, I don't know.

- PDN. 

 

 

Today The helpers are based in the yard (the relay yard more specifically) which is where crews sgn up and off. Crews going on duty report to the dispatcher with egine consist, low fuel reading and bulletin No and are then directed by the dispatcher. Typically, for westbound shoves they are routed just east of CP Antis to wait for their train to pass west of Antis so they can follow behind for the hitch. If the helper is needed for an eastbound they will run lite west, typically going to the yard in Johnstown to wait for their train. If they are low on fuel they will stop at (or, if shoving a westbound cut off) at Cresson for refuel or trade for a fueled set at the engine house which has a fuel pad (there is no fuel facility in Altoona). Helpers near the end of their HOS hours after a westbound shove will typically run lite back to Altoona to go off duty. Of course there are variations from this basic operational pattern; for example some assignments will have the helper go all the way to Pittsburgh (Pitcairn or Conway) and crews can outlaw out on the road but that is infrequent.

[BaltACD]

Paul_D_North_Jr

As of about 5 years ago most of the helpers were based at Cresson - unusual, at the top of a mountain; at the base is more common, such as Altoona.

Anyway, they would be attached at East Altoona as above and also a little outside (east?) of Johnstown, and then usually run through to the other end.  Sometimes they would cut off at Gallitzin, esp. the WB ones after coming up the East Slope. 

What the operating pattern today is, I don't know.

- PDN. 

While it is unusual, I can understand the logic.

One of the problems for CSX in operating manned helpers on Sand Patch grade was that frequently helper crews would go HOS at the top of the grade and not be able to return their power to the bottom of the grade.  This would happen to helpers attached at Connellville on Eastbound trains as well as those attached at Cumberland for Westbound trains.  To keep things moving, especially during periods of high activity - The BB Dispatcher had to be at the top of his game in manipulating the helper crews and power.  There was additional pay involved for crews operating 'on the other side' of the grade.  Helpers getting trains up the grades is only on part of the problem - frequently helpers would also be requred (for their additional dynamic braking ability) to get trains down the grade.

[Fastmover]

Thanks for your response!

[Fastmover]

Thank you for your response

[Paul_D_North_Jr]

As of about 5 years ago most of the helpers were based at Cresson - unusual, at the top of a mountain; at the base is more common, such as Altoona.

Anyway, they would be attached at East Altoona as above and also a little outside (east?) of Johnstown, and then usually run through to the other end.  Sometimes they would cut off at Gallitzin, esp. the WB ones after coming up the East Slope. 

What the operating pattern today is, I don't know.

- PDN. 

[JPS1]

Fastmover

 Can anyone tell me a good place to see manned helpers hooking up to NS trains getting ready to go up through Cresson, Galitzen, and through Horseshoe Curve? 

East Altoona! 

 

From downtown Altoona take E. Chestnut Avenue, which turns into N 4^th Avenue, to the 8^th Street Bridge, which is now known as The Bridge of Freedom.  From the bridge or the east end of it, you should get a good view of the yard where any helpers are likely to be waiting for a train to help push it over the mountain. 

 

Along the way you will get a good view of the Juniata Locomotive Shop, where NS overhauls locomotives.  Or at least that was the case when I was growing up in Altoona many moons ago.  Then it was the PRR, and we had no idea that some day it would be no more. 

 

Once across the 8^th avenue bridge, turn right onto 6^th avenue and head back toward town.  There are several access roads off of 6^th avenue that will take you close to the yard, which may give you a better view of it than from the bridge.   

[Fastmover]

Can anyone tell me a good place to see manned helpers hooking up to NS trains getting ready to go up through Cresson, Galitzen, and through Horseshoe Curve?