Is this regulary seen in the US ?

Not much to tell, but I ask is this a one shot or is this common use?
As an European I wonder CSX ahead of an Amtrack train ?
Paul

 

I've seen shots of UP, BNSF and NS units leading Amtrak trains. Usually, it's because of a failure of an Amtrak unit.

 

This is done sometimes when Amtrak is rerouted or one of their locomotives fail.

 

I saw a CSX GP-40 couple to the rear of an Amtrak train whose locomotive had run out of fuel near my house. The CSX loco pulled the train back 3 miles to the nearest passing siding, ran around the train, coupled ahead of the "dry" loco, then pulled the train about 90 miles into New Orleans. This all occured in the middle of a bright sunny day in July while the temperature was in the mid-90's (~35C), with no HEP available for air conditioning, and of course none of the windows could be opened.......:angry:

BTW, the train was Amtrak #1, the Sunset Limited....very embarassing event for Amtrak. :embarassed:

 

When Amtrak had those SDP40F, I think thay where, that keep derailing and the railroads added freight power to the point to keep them on the track I have a picture of a BN F3 x-NP on the point of the Builder in East Auburn WA

 

Thanks for the info, maybe a nice idea for the layout.

Paul

 

SCL seemed most likely to use GE U-30B's. Even have a photo somewhere of two SCL units still in the SAL "Jolly Green Giant" paint scheme on the point of an Amtraker.

 

Amtrak is currently investigating what seems to be a rash of premature traction motor failures on their P-42 fleet.

 

I caught a NS SD40 on the lead of an Amtrak train about a month ago.... The picture you posted indicated a much older Amtrak scheme....

 

When necessary Host roads may have to use their own power to move Amtrak trains that have had the Amtrak power fail.

 

Here's an NS unit leading 3 AMTK units:
http://hhodnett.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=691533

 

Here is a UP SD9043MAC leading an AMTK unit:

http://hhodnett.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=691536

 

Thanks for the pics Harold.

Paul

 

There are times where AmTrack crews are dead on the law with hours of service. The host will attach a frieght engine to it and run it that way. If you take a look at the shear mass of a freight engine compared to amtrak units, at 70+ miles per hour it makes for a hair raising ride. I also know on certain areas they use certain cab signals or automatic train control (mainly ex-CN&W) that they may need to use a frieght engine.