Why do you sometimes see multiple locomotives on a local that under normal circumstances would only require one? For example, R.R. X will run a local turn with 2 (or 3) GP38's and 12 cars. One GP38 could easily handle this train, even in gradient terrain. Why is that??
MLG4'8.5"
It could be for several reasons. The train could be going out to pick up more cars, enough to need more than one unit. It is also common to have road switchers go out with two locomotives, facing different ways, so they can run around the train and have cabs leading each way.
An "expensive model collector"
A set of locomotives will stay here where I live for at least 2 to 3 weeks. Some times of the year they use 2 engines and sometimes they use 3. Whether 2 or 3 are used depends on the anticipated loaded during the period they are deployed here to minimize extra engine handling.
dd
Where I live, CSX uses anything that's available. I can think of five good examples at the moment....
First, I witnissed a local with two AC6000CWs (both long hood forward) hauling 10 empty 89ft flatcars/idlers from Wyvern Yard (situated between White and Cartersville, Ga) 3 miles to Cartersville. Second, I watched a local consisting of 17 empty ortners and SEVEN B30-7s go between Wyvern and Cartersville. Third, an RLCX B39-8 led two B36-7s and a C40-8 on a 15 car local (consisting of rock loads, scrap/steel loads, and empty covered hoppers) from Wyvern to Cartersville. Fourth, a CSX SD70MAC teamed up with yet another RLCX B39-8, to lead 4 empty cars from Wyvern to Cartersville. Fifth, a CSX B40-8 led two MP15s, a B30-7 and 23 new BNSF hoppers once again from Wyvern to Cartersville.
"I Often Dream of Trains"-From the Album of the Same Name by Robyn Hitchcock
We have locals near here that use two locomotives so they can split the power later. (Having one engine on the front and one on the rear). This can make it a lot easier to switch industries, especially if the track dead ends or you're turning back somewhere on the line with no decent run-around. Or sometimes it is just too much of a pain to uncouple an engine... and if that 2nd engine isn't needed now, it can go along for the ride. Maybe a later shift will need both of those engines - so why uncouple one just to re-couple it a few hours later?
Also, many lcoals you may end up bringing back more cars than what is planned. If an industry has a bunch of cars ready to be pulled - you pull them - even if it wasn't planned for that day.
As far as multiple engines on a small move - that may just be for sending power to another yard.
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
K&ARailfan wrote: Second, I watched a local consisting of 17 empty ortners and SEVEN B30-7s go between Wyvern and Cartersville.
Second, I watched a local consisting of 17 empty ortners and SEVEN B30-7s go between Wyvern and Cartersville.
man..what a waste...
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