I was lucky enough to catch a high nosed SD40 leading a very late AMT 20 train through Greensboro today, as it passes NS train 159: http://hhodnett.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=691531
Here's a better look at the NS unit and the trailing 3 Amtrak units: http://hhodnett.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=691533
Here's a better view of the lead unit: http://hhodnett.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=691535
The last time I caught a "foreign" unit leading an Amtrak train, it was this UP unit: http://hhodnett.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=691536
Not even 1 of the 3 Amtrak locomotives could run. That's Amtrash for you. Nice shots by the way. ~Mike
Its my understanding, from another web site,that one unit was running to provide electricity for the cars. But, because of clogged fuel filters could not move the train too.
I don't know the details of "why"... but when I heard on the scanner that they were holding southbound trains for 2 northbound Amtraks, I figured one had to be # 20. I never guessed it would be lead by an SD40! Harold
No, I don't think its common, but what is becoming more common is poor servicing of equipment. For example, Train #51 left washington DC recently with no working toilets except in the sleeper. At the first service stop they filled the water tanks and the toilets started working.
