Rear-end locomotives on distributed power trains may run with or without flashing rear end devices. Steve Schmollinger Q I see distributed power on BNSF freights inbound into San Diego, and some have flashing rear end devices attached to the coupler at the end locomotives. What are the circumstances for using a FRED on end-of-train locomotives?— […]
Q While listening to the scanner during bad weather, I heard the Canadian National Rail Traffic Controller remind train crews that Rule “X” was in effect. What is Rule X and who can issue it? — Patrick Lallensack, Green Bay, Wis. A CN’s Rule X governs train operations during and after severe weather. Chief dispatchers […]
The activity level of this track belies its once important status as part of D&RGW’s Tennessee Pass. Michael Humphreys Q In December 2010, I noticed a little-used rail line running through Eagle, Colo. What can you tell me about it? The mainline rail dated from the 1950s. — Michael Humphreys, Berryville, Va. A The tracks […]
Q How does BNSF’s Network Operations Center in Fort Worth, Texas, control BNSF trains when they share tracks with another railroad, such as the route over the Tehachapi Pass? Union Pacific owns the trackage and allows BNSF trackage rights. On average, BNSF sends three trains over the pass to UP’s one. Does the BNSF Operations […]
Q What is the difference between a cabless booster, a slug, and a calf?— Ken Williams, Tehachapi, Calif. A A cabless unit and a calf are quite similar. Cabless diesel units are usually considered to be road units from any builder and usually have their own designation. For example, an EMD F7 with a cab […]
Orange Belt Railway President and GM Peter Demens (far right) stand near No. 7, a National Locomotive Works engine, in Pinellas County, Fla. Donald R. Hensley Jr. collection Q I recently heard about a railroad called the Orange Belt that ran through some of central Florida in the late 19th century. Who owned it? Where […]
Q In a Southern Pacific cab-forward steam locomotive, is the engineer on the right side of the cab? If so, does he have to reach back to man the throttle, reverse gear, air brakes, etc.?— Ralph Podas, Columbus, Ohio A Builders of these locomotives redesigned the cabs entirely so that crews would face the correct […]
Q What is the purpose of having draft-gear slack in the era of diesel locomotives? We all know the steam engines needed slack to start the train, and slack is used to “cushion” coupling, but I’ve always wondered why the modern freight cars don’t “lock” the draft gear when the brakeline is charged up eliminating […]
Q For many years now, fans have been calling Alco PA locomotives “honorary steam locomotives” because of the thick, dense smoke they generate during acceleration. I’ve heard some people mention that TRAINS Editor David P. Morgan wrote an editorial on this citing a statement or caption penned by rail historian Professor George W. Hilton. Can […]
Although the quarters were likely close in this passenger rail car’s public bathroom, the extra sink could only have helped. Q While visiting The Durham Museum in Omaha, I saw a passenger car with two sinks in the public bathroom, one large and one small. What was the small sink used for?– Sam Irvin, Summerfield, Fla. […]
Q Did railroads that used Pullman service have their own sleeper and parlor cars too, or were one or the other used exclusively on any particular train? Also, how were contracts structured: Did Pullman pay the railroads for space on the trains and garner all the fares, or did the railroads pay for the service […]
This sign on a SD80MAC means it can move a short distance on battery power through one traction motor. Walter Fertsak Q In Cresson, Pa., this year, I saw a SD80MAC with a little plate above the first axle. What does this signify?— Walter Fertsak, Austria A Spotter Control is a locomotive on-board system used […]
