BNSF with midtrain helpers up Tehachapi Loop

BNSF CW44-9 4908, EMD SD40-2 2000, AT&SF CW40-8 872, GP60 8706 with mid-train helpers AT&SF SD45-2 6515, SD75M 8241 at Walong, CA 4/4/99.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• BNSF
• ATSF
• Burlington
• Northern
• Santa
• Fe
• railway
• railroad
• freight
• train
• diesel
• locomotive
• CW44-9
• CW40-8
• GP60
• SD45-2
• Gort

[chibear54341]

where the hell is tehachapi loop? that looks like cool place to visit.

[e44e33]

Do a Google map search for Walong, CA. It's between Mojave and Bakersfield, CA

[8213NATE]

Wow, 8241 was in California in Feb? I think its here in Wyoming now.

[CSXkid22]

wow thats awesome!

[MegaDucky26]

@e44e33 Its because they can go the same speed forward or backwards, its a push me pull you type thing they use it to get over a mountain pass. to try and just pull it would be to much on the locomotives up front, so they push at the same time. And over the top they go!

[griffdastick]

Was there yesterday! Great time ! Saw both north and south bounders!

[johndgray1]

@554687858 The lead engineer controls all the units in the front of the train,mid-train helper units have an engineer in them operating the lead unit in that lashup,no fireman anymore,that position has been eliminated,at the absolute max you'd have an engineer,a conductor and a brakeman.Brakeman positions are also being eliminated and the more general crew consist is engineer and conductor only.

Locomotives physically hooked together operated as multiple units,operated by engineer in lead unit.

[shadowknight227]

@chibear54341 If i'm correct, UP is not allowing any railfans there anymore. I have heard rumors, so i don't think it's true. But if it is, sorry to ruin your fun.

[CaseyBNSFTrains]

I mean a really awesome video

[CaseyBNSFTrains]

This is a really video!

[554687858]

OK, bear with me guys. Something I've always wondered about - A train has say, four engines pulling and a couple more midway with maybe another four pushing, who is actually controlling the train? My assumption would be the engineer in the lead engine, but... Also, how do they staff the rest of the engines? Is there an engineer and (what - fireman?) on each of the other engines? Or is there a way to control them through a single engine? And what does a crew on one of these engines consist of?

[williambt1]

is that train going southbound?

[Espeelover]

@shekkythebastard Nope, it's an EMD Leasing unit.

[shekkythebastard]

the second unit in the consist looks like an ex western maryland locomotive, a rare catch even in 2008.