Why does CN usually have a GE in the lead and the EMD behind? I would expect either locomotives from the same manufacturer on the train, or random locomotives pulling, but CN consistently puts a GE in front of an EMD.
Whatever pulls the train.
Is this a standard operating procedure? I assume there must be a reason for it. Every day CN runs from Canada to St. Albans, VT and they always have a GE leading an EMD. Then they turn the locomotives on the turntable in St. Albans, VT to put the GE back in the lead (unless there's a wye I don't know about, but I'm pretty sure there isn't a wye nearby). I also tend to see the same thing on railpictures.net
http://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=338131&nseq=19
From what I've heard, the AC4400/-9 series and newer GE widecabs have a nice ride, nicer than the newer EMD units. Perhaps someone else can chime in on this, who works on them ...
Not knowing the territory....might there be signalling issues such as Train Control, Cab Signals and/or Automatic Train Stop involved in the route....lead engine is equipped and the trailing engine isn't?
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Haven't noticed that trend here...EMD';s often lead around here...and CN is known for interesting lashups...the other day I saw a GMD1 leading a C4400CW, an SD40-2W and a GP9...
There is no such practice at CN. What ever is facing the right way or whatever the motive power designates as the lead unit leads.
A few reasons for certain leaders.
1. At turn around points it is easier to turn the power so you do not have to change ends and re-do all the SBU testing procedures.
2. The motive power department will give consideration to units that don't have DB and put them in trail.
3. CN does not have cab signals on their locomotives nor are any units equipped with any territory specific automatic train stop equipment at this time.
4. In Canada the lead unit must have a hot plate, fridge and a microwave. 99% of CN's U.S. locomotives and most of the BC Rail units do not have either or all of the 3. The only ones that do CN has placed those things in the cab. CN is slowly adding the firdges, microwaves and hotplates into them.
Chris
10000 feet and no dynamics? Today is going to be a good day ...
I will go ahead and say that CN must have installed these three items into the Wisconsin Central 3026 and 3027 GP40-2's if they have been photographed leading in Canada. I do know they were owned by Algoma Central in Canada prior to the WC's purchase but they are both original Milwaukee Road GP40's.
Dave Howarth Jr. Livin' On Former CNW Spur From Manitowoc To Appleton In Reedsville, WI
- Formerly From The Home of Wisconsin Central's 5,000,000th Carload
- Manitowoc Cranes, Manitowoc Ice Machines, Burger Boat
Ulrich Haven't noticed that trend here...EMD';s often lead around here...and CN is known for interesting lashups...the other day I saw a GMD1 leading a C4400CW, an SD40-2W and a GP9...
Dan
CN doesn't have any SD40u's. They do have SD40-3's tho
traisessive1 4. In Canada the lead unit must have a hot plate, fridge and a microwave. 99% of CN's U.S. locomotives and most of the BC Rail units do not have either or all of the 3. .
4. In Canada the lead unit must have a hot plate, fridge and a microwave. 99% of CN's U.S. locomotives and most of the BC Rail units do not have either or all of the 3. .
I thought that equipment was a requirement of Canadian law/the Canadian regulatory authority. If so, why did it not apply to BC Rail?
Dakguy201 traisessive1: 4. In Canada the lead unit must have a hot plate, fridge and a microwave. 99% of CN's U.S. locomotives and most of the BC Rail units do not have either or all of the 3. . I thought that equipment was a requirement of Canadian law/the Canadian regulatory authority. If so, why did it not apply to BC Rail?
traisessive1: 4. In Canada the lead unit must have a hot plate, fridge and a microwave. 99% of CN's U.S. locomotives and most of the BC Rail units do not have either or all of the 3. .
I thought it was a negotiated Union contract clause, possibly dating from when the caboose was eliminated. Apparently the UP engines that often lead through the Crowsnest Pass up here in Canada are missing one or more of the amenities, and there is a local agreement so the crew gets extra pay when one leads as "compensation".
John
The CN units have microwaves becuase of the extended runs that the crews do. BC Rail units had/have an oven instead of a microwave. How the crew would find an oven useful is beyond me but they have em!
traisessive1 The CN units have microwaves becuase of the extended runs that the crews do. BC Rail units had/have an oven instead of a microwave. How the crew would find an oven useful is beyond me but they have em!
You'd be surprised, they're great for baking my lasagna. The only thing I don't like, on former BCR territory you can have either a BCR or a CN unit leading and you're never sure if you'll get a microwave or an oven, gotta pack both types of containers.
wcfan4ever I will go ahead and say that CN must have installed these three items into the Wisconsin Central 3026 and 3027 GP40-2's if they have been photographed leading in Canada. I do know they were owned by Algoma Central in Canada prior to the WC's purchase but they are both original Milwaukee Road GP40's.
No, CN just violates the agreements whenever they feel like it and forces the crews to take these units leading.
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