Locomotives in mid train

[jeffhergert]

There can be one lead consist and up to 4 remote consists.

Jeff

[MMLDelete]

What's the largest total number of units you've ever seen on a train?

[BaltACD]

Lithonia Operator

What's the largest total number of units you've ever seen on a train?

 

The Chessie System rule permitted a maximum of 6 units to be coupled together.

CSX has moved the maximum number into their "Train Handling Rules" and out of the Book of Rule and the Employee Timetable - I believe the allowed maximum in a single engine consist is 12 units.  The number of units in the engine consist that can actually be on line is further restricted by the number of powered axles.  When counting powered axles AC locomotives count as 9.

 

[SD70Dude]

I don't think we have a limitation on the number of locomotives that can be coupled together.  I've seen a few power moves of well over 10 units.  As for pulling power, CN's maximums are 24 powered DC axles (30 on certain subdivisions) per consist, this drops to 18 if you have even one AC unit.  Dynamic braking is restricted to 18 axles per consist, 12 if you have an AC unit. 

It is possible to cut out (disable) the DB on locomotives, and some newer units will allow you to place them in 'DB only' mode, which would be used when that unit is not to be used for pulling power in order to comply with the much-hated throttle restrictions. 

[SD70Dude]

And since this thread is about DP/Locotrol, here's the brief Transport Canada summary of another, much more recent incident involving a switching move gone wrong.  A poster on another forum who is from the area stated that it got up to over 80 mph.

Accident/Incident Type:UNCONTROLLED MOVEMENT OF
R/S
INCIDENT
2020-03-10 16:00 Classification: 5
Province: Nearest Town/City:
Subdivision Owner:
Subdivision Name:
SASKATCHEWAN DANA
CN - CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY CO.
Aberdeen Subdivision Mileage: 24.60
Location:
Details:
DG Cars Involved:
Train Operator:
Yard Name:
0
CN - CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAY CO.
DG Released: 0
Spur Name: Spur Mileage:
Injuries:
Fatal: 0 Serious: 0 Minor: 0
Occurrence Summary:
CN assignment L52442-10 operating light engine (CN 3893, CN 3181, UP 7920) set out unit UP 7920 on the Main track at mile 24.6
Aberdeen Sub and reversed up the Totzke Spur to lift their potash loads. At the same time unit UP 7920 moved Eastward,
uncontrolled. The crew received an alert from the UP 7920 and stopped the unit at mile 19.5 Aberdeen Sub. after going over 5
crossings. No conflicting movements. No derailment. No injuries.