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New DPU placements?

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Anonymous
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
New DPU placements?
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, April 4, 2005 10:03 PM
The last 2 unit coal trains I have observed through Flora, Il. have had the DPU unit placed about one third from the rear of the train. Has Union Pacific changed DPU placement? If so, does any one know why? Thanks.
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Anonymous
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    April 2003
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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, April 5, 2005 7:28 AM
All I can say is......Contact UP Public Affaires and ask them they should be able to answer your Question. Contact John Bromley. BNSFrailfan.
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spbed
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Austin TX
  • 4,941 posts
Posted by spbed on Tuesday, April 5, 2005 7:52 AM
So far all the ones I have seen on the Rochelle cam have the DPU at the rear. [:D][:o)]

Originally posted by jwalpacific

Living nearby to MP 186 of the UPRR  Austin TX Sub

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kenneo
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Upper Left Coast
  • 1,796 posts
Posted by kenneo on Tuesday, April 5, 2005 1:18 PM
The dynamics of train handling are much better if the helper is located about 2/3 back (tonnage 2/3, not length 2/3). Things improve even more when 40% of needed power is on the point and 60% is at the 2/3's point. It becomes very difficult to do things such as bust nuckles or pull drawbars out with that power arrangement. Such an arrangement would be a good place for those 6,000 HP units. One on the point and two burried.

However, to use that arrangement on a unit train such as a coal move requires the ability to turn the entire train at each end and not to be using rollovers.
Eric
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mudchicken
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Denver / La Junta
  • 10,786 posts
Posted by mudchicken on Tuesday, April 5, 2005 3:15 PM
Standard RCE setup with less drawbar forces/ broken knuckle benefits.
Mudchicken Nothing is worth taking the risk of losing a life over. Come home tonight in the same condition that you left home this morning in. Safety begins with ME.... cinscocom-west
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kenneo
  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Upper Left Coast
  • 1,796 posts
Posted by kenneo on Friday, April 8, 2005 1:32 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by mudchicken

Standard RCE setup with less drawbar forces/ broken knuckle benefits.


Absolutely. Cost reduction bennies just keep on comming.
Eric
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