CSX remote switching platforms

A prior thread asked about photos about a specific unit, so I thought I'd start a thread with many photos.

Harold

 

It seems that CSX has two types of remote switching platforms.... some are former locos and some are converted from freight cars. The only ones I have caught are like flat cars...

 

I caught this one in Saint Denis Maryland this morning.

 

Here's the first unit I caught... # 9173 http://hhodnett.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=618096

Harold

 

Another view of the same unit:
http://hhodnett.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=618098

Harold

 

Here's another unit, in the middle of a regular freight train:
http://hhodnett.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=618105

Harold

 

They look a lot more than "like" flat cars; they are flat cars! How can they supply any power without traction motors?

 

All of the units have headlights, radio antennas, horns, flashing lights/beacons....

 

I don't think they have any power... they have radio equipment to allow Remote Control operation from the gromnd by switching crews...

 

Another good view of the same unit:
http://hhodnett.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=618106

 

Here's another unit, # 9473:
http://hhodnett.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=618100

 

So they just receive the remote signals for the actual engine coupled to it. Otherwise, without the remote platform, the coupled engine is just a normal engine.

In your picture, CSXT9173, the remote platform is just moving enroute in mid train and not coupled to a regular engine?

 

Here is unit # 9474 which has the horns mounted on the front of the platform:
http://hhodnett.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=618102

 

Apparently, they can function as a regular freight car (in transit) OR they use the remote control to couple with ANY loco and become a remote controlled loco.

 

Here's another unit, showing its flexibility and mated to a lease unit!
http://hhodnett.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=618104

 

Okay. I see with CSXT9473. Silly me. :embarassed:

 

Here's another telephoto view... It shows the end platorm with brakewheel, plus the headlights, antenna, and horms mounted on another separate pole.

http://hhodnett.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=618109

 

Not a problem..

 

The units are generally hard to catch from public property as they work deep within many yards...

 

Harold, on your images, it appears that the units have MU control cables only at one end. I assume this would limit their usefulness by requiring that the attached locomotive always face in the opposite direction to show headlights and ditchlights. Or else the units would have to be turned if no locomotive was available that was facing in the "correct" direction.

Do you (or anybody) have any info on this?