Re: P and H class (Vic) operating as push/pull

["Rod Young" <berlina@bigpond.com>]

J Richmond <richmond@melbpc.org.au> wrote in article
<6fpm15$rsn$1@possum.melbpc.org.au>...
> When two P's or a H and a P operate as a push/pull unit, how is the
trailing
> loco controlled?
> 
> 
> 
First of all, the H would also need a power van if the consist was greater
than 4 H cars! That is two 3 car sets operated as a push-pull
with a loco at each end needs two seperate Head End power supplies, if all
cars and a/c units are to run.
Even if one Engine was an N with a much larger HEP, the cables in the H
sets are so light that you would not be able to supply the more distant
cars, V/Line instruct us, you would burn out the wiring.
HEP wiring is passed through all H cars [I guess almost all V/Line
carriages will now operate on HEP, or at least be able to pass
HEP power through fitted cabling for cars that do need it!]
Multi Unit Jumper cables, similar to those used to connect Locomotives are
used to connect all H cars together, and so when
the poor mans XPT is coupled together, MU cables are connected to the cars
at each end.and also between the two sets of cars, a bit like how they
connect Sparks at Peak Times at Flinders St.
The crew will test for Power and if Everything is set up the remote unit
will power up and operate exactly as if it was directly behind
the lead loco. One exeption is the Independant brake on the rear loco! No
hoses are provided, and so the rear loco will brake exactly as if it were a
carriage, and the driver will have no independant contoll of this engine
brake. A warning lite is provided to ensure the rear loco brakes are not
dragged applied.
                        Hope this helps,
                                 Rod Young