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Even branch lines were often double headed w/ steam engines , esp if the RR used light weight rail, light duty trestles and bridges tight clearances and sharp curves negating use of heavier and long wheelbase locos. Good example is L&N old line Atlanta -Knoxville Division between Marietta and Knoxville (Hook & Eye Line) or Southern's Murphy Branch in western NC. - both relied almost exclusively on USRA light (or similar design) 2-8-0s, and only occasionally did a 2-8-2 venture onto portions only of each branch- their axle loadings (and overall weight) was just too high, so helpers were employed to spread the weight out. It was pure hell for crew in 2nd engine in tunnels due to fumes, smoke and heat when both engines were directly coupled together at front of consist. Spreading out power in mid section or at tailend probably helped a lot. I've seen old pics of 6,7,or even 8 dimunitiuve Colo, 3 foot ng 2-8-0s pushing a plow up a grade in deep snow-awesome sight-imagine the sounds. . .
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