Helper Districts

[dwil89]

Helpers are still in regular use on NS between Altoona, and Johnstown, Pennsylvania. (and as far West as Pittsburgh on the former Pennsy Main which also includes Horseshoe Curve. SD40-2 helper sets are added to Westbounds in Altoona, and these usually cut off at the top of the Grade near Cresson, or anywhere between there and Pitsburgh, depending on tonnage, and traffic. Helpers are usually added to the rear, but on heavier trains, 2 pair can be added, either both pair to the rear, or one set ahead of the road power, or both sets on the rear. CSX on Sand Patch Grade between Cumberland MD and Connellsville, Pa still use manned helpers too, usually CSX SD50's.

[Murphy Siding]

I picked up another book (feature that) "Burlington Northern and it's Heritage", by Steve Glischinski.
The book says that eastbound coal trains on th e BN(SF) still require helpers to get over Crawford Hill in Nebraska. What's more,they require helpers on the Orin line in the Powder River Basin,from Donkey Creek south about 8 miles. I thought helpers were pretty much a thing of the past,except in the high elevations of the Rockies. Where else are helper engines still in common use?