[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: [Ausloco] Smaller locos leading larger locomotives (was X.40)
On Fri, 26 May 2000, Haby Steven wrote:
> This may seem a odd question but would there be any reason from an
> operational point of view to have a smaller loco leading with larger ones in
> the shaft as it were, or is it just preferential for other reasons.
There are some specific cases where it is preferable.
A notable one was the Kilmore East quarry train when the regular motive
power was S-T. The T would lead on the down, but this wasn't a problem
because it was the empty working. The S would lead on the up where the
dynamic brake was essential.
Another example was in the early days of through running between Melbourne
and Adelaide, e.g. a 930 leading a C in SA because of the automatic staff
exchange.
With steam locos, the smaller loco was supposed to lead. This is because if
the lead loco slipped, the second would momentarily be taking the weight of
the entire train. There were some anomalous exceptions, particularly in
Victoria. If only one loco had automatic staff exchange, it was to lead. But
nothing was allowed to pilot a D3 other than another D3 because of the
weaker coupler on the front.
With diesel and steam, the diesel was supposed to lead to prevent the
filters blocking up. The was also the anomalous problem of, say, a T leading
a K - only the K had staff exchange, but the diesel had to lead. In recent
times, steam locos leading have become quite common.
Cheers
David
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Groups = big savings @ beMANY!
http://click.egroups.com/1/4112/7/_/_/_/959324076/
------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you wish to reply to this email, please check the "reply to" address. It will automatically reply to Ausloco. If you wish to send a personal reply to the author of this email please remember to change the "reply to" address.
Rules, guidelines and other Ausloco information:
http://www.alphalink.com.au/~dougk/ausloco.html
To unsubscribe from Ausloco, send an email to:
Ausloco-unsubscribe@egroups.com