Has anyone heard anything regarding changes in NS usage of DP or helper units? Reason I ask is that recently I've seen NS coal trains with a couple of GE units on the rear. The funny thing is, I live in the Tennessee valley which is relatively level. I've seen helpers up in VA and KY but not running through Knoxville. And the trains aren't always loaded which might indicate a power move. But is it common practice to tack them on the rear if its a power move? The other night I was down in Athens for a gig about 50 miles from here and I saw an empty unit coal with six units, they were all on the front though. Any ideas? Dan
I've been seeing these too, down at Boyd siding. Must be a sign of things to come but you have to admit that a locomotive on the rear of a train is much cooler than a FRED!
Dan and all, A lot of those coal trains you see in Knoxville are heading south through Atlanta. There is a helper district near Dallas GA (just north of Atlanta) across Braswell Mtn where DPU's would be helpful. Also, there trains are coming out of coal country where there are a lot more grades to deal with. I remember reading somewhere that DPU's and the old mid train set ups that NS / Southern used to do is cheaper than adding helpers.
NS has been using DPU for a few years now. Those trains you're seeing are originating out of Andover yard in VA, and are Georgia Power trains. SOP for NS units on NS trains is to use them as DPU when loaded, but combine them all up front when empty (just as they used to do with the old radio cars and units). If it's an off-line train (i.e, it comes out fo the PRB with BNSF or UP power and DPU) then most of the time it goes back just as it was recieved.
Thanks guys for all the info. I guess I just hadn't noticed any trains with DPUs running through Knoxville before. In the last week I've seen three. I guess its been a good week.:tb-biggrin:
