I see some BN coal trains that come from Chicago and normally they have only 2 SD70 Mac's . Before they get to Chicago , and when they leave Wyoming or where ever they originate at , has anyone noticed that they have more than 2 units on these coal trains ?
One small thing to point out, they're BNSF coal trains now. At first, I thought you might have been asking a question better answered in the BN forum, but I read it carefully and understood what you were saying. They pass through Galesburg, IL. and everytime I've been there, they've had only two SD70MAC's. I hope I helped, I know a few of our fellow Trainboarders live in Galesburg and they may have more information for you. STAY TUNED!
I don't know if this is still the case, but it used to be that the extra power was shed at Alliance, NE. Dwight
I have worked on the west-end of the Grand Trunk District and I remember picking up a coal train at Cicero Yard in Chicago and this loaded coal train had 4 SD 70 mac's . The BN crew then took the rear 2 units off They run quite often on CN in Michigan , we take them to a power plant in Monroe Michigan , south of Detroit . It's not that big of a deal but I was just trying to figure out if that was standard practice , removing units at Chicago . On the Grand Trunk we used to have a 40 MPH speed restriction on loaded coal trains . With our new rule book , there are no restrictions listed . Unit trains can go 60 MPH . My point in this matter is that if we get these trains with 3 or 4 units I can get those heavy suckers rolling 60 MPH Two units won't do it [ 01 February 2001: Message edited by: Davecn5623 ]
north/south trains here usually have 3 units. Depending on the lead unit DPU/no DPU. I did see 4 units on a train the other day, which i haven't seen in awhile.
<font color="336633">Didnt they used to have pairs of SD40-2's as helper units? or am I thinking of some other coal trains??</font>
Now empty coal trains are a blast to run . Coal cars brakes set up really quick and also the cars are short which helps the brakes apply quicker . I think the have a ?ABDWX? brake system that acts quick . Empty coal trains can stop on a dime
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by StickyMonk: <font color="336633">Didnt they used to have pairs of SD40-2's as helper units? or am I thinking of some other coal trains??</font><HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Before the SD70MAC came onto the scene. BN used to use 2 SD40-2s with a fuel tender in between as helper units.
Well at Sioux City, when I have to wait for a BN coal load to clear up, So I can come out on the Main Line, Most of the time it has 2 MACS on the Head End and One on the Rear
