Very nice! I have a question for anyone in the know... In many photos of this engine, I see a diesel or two in the consist. Is this 1) in case of a breakdown of the steam engine, 2) because the steamer won't pull the load and needs help, or 3) being done to ferry the diesel engines somewhere else? I suppose it could be all three, but in general, is it for one reason more than another?
|
What a great shot Drew!, you take the prize!
Dieselman
|
| Posted by on April 21, 2009 | |
NWVirginianFan, the answer to your question is partly that the diesels are there in case of breakdown, but mostly to allow the crew to take advantage of modern technology such as hearing the read-back from trackside detectors. It's definitely not because the steamer can't pull the train!
|
The reason you see the diesels is because they are supplying the power to the passenger cars.
|
The diesels in this consist are there for two reasons. They helped upgrade out of Truckee and provided dynamic braking once the train crested the summit and started down grade. They are not equipped with head end power for the cars, that is provided by a generator equipped power car in the UP consist.
|
|