i am watching a you tube video and the caboose is in front of the engine.also coal hoppers in front.it looks like its on a mainline with abig consist. my question is why.it is on norfolk western railroad
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Might you be looking at the pusher on the rear of a coal train?
Curt
@kranky posted:i am watching a you tube video and the caboose is in front of the engine.also coal hoppers in front.it looks like its on a mainline with abig consist. my question is why.it is on norfolk western railroad
The N&W was famous for having the rear end helper locomotive (pusher) coupled BEHIND the caboose. Thus, when the summit of the grade was reached, the Brakeman in the caboose would close the train line angle cock, and pull the coupler lift-pin, as the helper locomotive eased off the throttle, it then uncoupled from the caboose/train, without having to stop the train. I seem to remember that the PRR did the same thing back in the steam days.
