On the former D&RGW Craig Branch, from which numerous coal loads originate, does anyone know how power consists are assigned? Coal train (empty) consists on the Moffat Route come in all shapes and sizes. From 3-4 units on one train, to 7, 8 or more on another, and massive power transfers westbound; how does a railfan, without a train lineup, know if an empty is heading to the Craig Branch? The light units sent west generally are headed to Grand Junction, to balance power for North Fork branch loads. The Craig Branch has no known power transfers, no place I know of, that is. The monster consist trains seem to be headed to the Craig Branch. It's logical, since the Craig trains bring all the power they need, and North Fork loads get extra power in GJ.... But then again, UP doesn't always do things logically.... Anyone know?
Jer, I would guess it depends on whether they still add units at Phippsburg. If they did I could see a power transfer to there for to use as extra DPU's before heading back East. My guess would be they don't though and just run everything through to Craig and back to Denver........
If you have a scanner you would be able to listen to the dispatcher talking witch the head end crew. The frequencies basically start at 160.215 and go up at .015 up to 161.610 . I hope I helped a little bit.
Grant, I had heard they drop the extra units off at P-burg, and put them midtrain or on the tail end after loading. I have all 97 AAR channels plugged into my scanner, but didn't hear much, other than MOW talking. They really don't say much on the radio these days, at least I sure don't hear it!
