Re: Flat locomotive batteries question

["Donald R Smith" <drsmith@iinet.net.au>]

Actually, the proper drill is once the locos are connected by the jump
leads, to pull the knife switch so that the "good" unit is now running on
its auxiliary only and has its battery isolated.  Then the load placed on
the battery of the "good" unit will not affect its own electrical gear.
Batteries can also be flattened by drivers who start without doing the
pre-start checks.  In some cases this may mean priming of fuel and lube
systems (depends on the unit)  Again some may respond quicker if a fuel rack
is held open.  Nothing worse that having to start after some idiot driver
has stood in the cab with his finger jammed on the start button until all
semblance of life in the battery has gone.

Don