Manned Helpers/Pushers

[Anonymous]

That answers my question then, Helper Link takes care of the air.

Thanks.

[broncoman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by M.W. Hemphill

Eric: San Luis Obipso continues to use a manned helper for Cuesta. There is a healthy grade up to the Benecia Bridge, but it's a rare day that the train can't use momentum to overcome it.

Mark.
Do you know where they pu***o and release, and where do those units come from usually?

Eric,
Is there unother route out of Roseville besides the one that passes McClelland AFB? I know they can take either route to/through Stockton along 99 (old SP) and along 5 (old UP). I frequent the area around McClelland and have not seen a train with helpers going southbound. The only other route would be if it was coming directly from Oroville with helpers and I don't get over to watch that route through Sacramento to often.

[ericsp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by broncoman

QUOTE: Eric: San Luis Obipso continues to use a manned helper for Cuesta. There is a healthy grade up to the Benecia Bridge, but it's a rare day that the train can't use momentum to overcome it.

Do you know where they pu***o and release, and where do those units come from usually?

Eric,
Is there unother route out of Roseville besides the one that passes McClelland AFB? I know they can take either route to/through Stockton along 99 (old SP) and along 5 (old UP). I frequent the area around McClelland and have not seen a train with helpers going southbound. The only other route would be if it was coming directly from Oroville with helpers and I don't get over to watch that route through Sacramento to often.

The Sacramento Line (more commonly refered to as the Cal-P and California Pacific) is the only line coming out of the south/west end of Roseville Yard. The Fresno Line comes off of the Sacramento Line at Elvas (former site of Elvas Tower, it is just south of where Business-80 [Capital City Freeway] crosses the American River, search for Elvas, CA on mapquest to get a good idea of the location . The lines heading north and west from the wye are both the Sacramento Line. The line heading east, then southeast it the Fresno. It runs along side of California State University Sacramento (that might be a good place to work on my MS degree, if I can get any studying done) Trains for both the Sacramento/Coast lines and Fresno Line pass McClellan AFB (now closed).

I know that BNSF trains using the Inside Gateway use the old WP main to Stockton. I do not know how many UP trains use it. The only reason to send trains coming out of Roseville over this route would be if they are going over Altamont Pass or if there is a derailment or maintenance on the Fresno Line. The last I heard is that UP does not use Altamont much. I do not know if there is a connection between the Sacramento Line and the WP line, however if there is it would be in the same area as Elvas. I would say that you should see all westbound/southbound trains coming from Roseville at your location.

There are two other routes out of Roseville. The line East Valley Line, it goes up to Portland, OR (changing names a few times before reaching it), it leaves to the north near the northeast end of the yard (by Railroad Hobbies). The other route is the line to Reno, NV (I forgot its name).

I have read where the helpers over Cuesta cut in and out at. I think the south end is San Luis Obispo. I will have to check to find the north end.

[mvlandsw]

QUOTE: Originally posted by telizyn

You would run out of the rear facing unit so that when you cut off, you can jus run light back to where you started without having to change ends.

The BCR Pemberton pushers did that, and it also took place on the Tumbler Sub.

AJT

B&O helper crews also did that sometimes. I never liked the idea because the trailing unit caught the worst of the sand and exhaust fumes.

[broncoman]

QUOTE: Posted by: ericsp


There are two other routes out of Roseville. The line East Valley Line, it goes up to Portland, OR (changing names a few times before reaching it), it leaves to the north near the northeast end of the yard (by Railroad Hobbies). The other route is the line to Reno, NV (I forgot its name).

I thought it was Big Reno. There used to be a connector about 1.5 mi. west of Elvas that connected UP with SP somewhere near Del Paso Heights I want to say in the area of C st and 19th or so in Sacramento. I haven't been down in that area may have to got spot there on a Saturday.

[ericsp]

I think the north end of the helper district is Santa Margarita. I just bought John Signor's "Coast Line", so the answer may be in there.