I just did a cursory look through UP's System Special Instructions (most recent version, May 2016), and can find nothing concerning separating auto racks from motive power. In fact, it could be counter-productive, snce trains made up exclusively of auto racks are entitled to higher speeds on lines where the freight-train maxium speeds allow.I can't see a reason to put a buffer car on a train of auto racks, since they have to be broken apart and unloaded through the ends of the cars. Unlike with the unit ethanol or crude trains, something's got to give!
Carl
Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)
CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)
It may be a variation of the buffer car on oil trains but for a different reason. Because of the long coupler shanks on auto racks and intermodal flat cars, lateral forces on curves can become a problem, especially since locomotives have gotten longer. A short wheelbase car may be able to reduce these forces.
I may be off base so a little help would be appreciated greatly.
I saw a UP train today pulling a long string of auto racks. There was a box car between the lead engines and the auto racks. And there was a box car between the auto racks and the locomotive on the back of the train. What is the purpose of this arrangement?
Rio Grande Valley, CFI,CFII
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