[Ausloco] Re:Smaller locos leading larger locomotives

[Stephen Molloy <c501@diesel.net.au>]

There is no reason why any particular diesel loco has to lead and one
trail.  Engine brakes has  nothing to do with it, nor engine transition,
the change in power is not large enough to push the lead unit off the
track.  The engine that leads will normally be doing so for one of several
reasons.

1. The crew prefers it.
2. Heating, cooling, noise, or riding  qualities.
3. Operating reasons, the loco might be detached en route.

An example of this is picking up an engine along the way...while it may be
easier to drop it straight on the front...the crew would then have to de
camp from the one they are set up in..so unless its really worth
changing..they won't.  Especially during summer or winter, the cab they are
in is already warm/cool.
Another reason a smaller engine might sometimes lead is that it can be
"offline" except when needed, so the larger engine hauls the train, and the
little one is only used when neccesary.

Stephen Molloy



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