distributed power on the columbia gorge

[Anonymous]

Hello 'theblackburns'...The B.N.S.F. has been running these trains for at least 2 yrs. After they opened up the Stampede Pass Line from Auburn Washington eastbound to Ellensburg and then to Pasco and the Gorge, these 'Distributive Power' consists usually made up of usually Dash-9 'pumpkins' have been doing a pretty good job, with little or no problems. Not like the ones we used on the Cascade Line from Seattle-Everett-Wenatchee eastward. More than a few times we lost continuity in our 8 mile tunnel amoung other places. One time we dipped out of the tunnel east-bound--starting down the 2.2% grade and the things (SD-40's) were shoving us forward while we were trying to get the train settled down with a little automatic, and dynamics. The process for 'linking'up the 'helper' consists takes about 10"...Take Care...Hommie

[Anonymous]

Hello 'theblackburns'...The B.N.S.F. has been running these trains for at least 2 yrs. After they opened up the Stampede Pass Line from Auburn Washington eastbound to Ellensburg and then to Pasco and the Gorge, these 'Distributive Power' consists usually made up of usually Dash-9 'pumpkins' have been doing a pretty good job, with little or no problems. Not like the ones we used on the Cascade Line from Seattle-Everett-Wenatchee eastward. More than a few times we lost continuity in our 8 mile tunnel amoung other places. One time we dipped out of the tunnel east-bound--starting down the 2.2% grade and the things (SD-40's) were shoving us forward while we were trying to get the train settled down with a little automatic, and dynamics. The process for 'linking'up the 'helper' consists takes about 10"...Take Care...Hommie

[Anonymous]

Hello 'theblackburns'...The B.N.S.F. has been running these trains for at least 2 yrs. After they opened up the Stampede Pass Line from Auburn Washington eastbound to Ellensburg and then to Pasco and the Gorge, these 'Distributive Power' consists usually made up of usually Dash-9 'pumpkins' have been doing a pretty good job, with little or no problems. Not like the ones we used on the Cascade Line from Seattle-Everett-Wenatchee eastward. More than a few times we lost continuity in our 8 mile tunnel amoung other places. One time we dipped out of the tunnel east-bound--starting down the 2.2% grade and the things (SD-40's) were shoving us forward while we were trying to get the train settled down with a little automatic, and dynamics. The process for 'linking'up the 'helper' consists takes about 10"...Take Care...Hommie

[Anonymous]

Has anyone else noticed this practice by the BNSF in the Columbia River Gorge. I was in Pasco over the long weekend. All of the manifest frieghts had mid train helpers without any crews.

How long have they been doing this? Is there a discussion thread already started on this?