DIESEL HELPER

Hi Clint, I will take a shot at this from what I have heard. The diesel helper or helpers are there for the dynamic braking capabilities and also power for grades.  Could be wrong but it's my best guess.     Paul

"Diesel helper"? Is that next to the "Hamburger Helper" in the grocery store? OK, OK, too obvious.

Stangerdude, above is correct. The steamers are quite capable of doing the job alone, in most cases (though some excursion trains are huge and actually, I think, can exceed the design capabilities of the steamer - or either of the locos alone).

Also, the diesel(s) are there for "protection", to use the proper RR term. This is a special run, and if there is a breakdown - of either type of motive power - the railroad still has to run and move freight, and a dead train is a costly and dangerous bottleneck. Plus, there are no on-line steam repair facilities, parts or skills any more, and a dead 4-8-4 or whatever (reliable technology, but still a machine with parts) is the definition of a duck out of water.

Many/most excursions let the steamer do the work whenever possible, with the diesel idling behind it. I understand the diesel protection, but it just really kills the look for me. It really takes away from the visuals.

I believe you've answered your own question, it's called Head End Power (HEP). UP has a generator car as part of their excursion trains to cover that need. Milwaukee Road 261 never leaves home without an Amtrak Genesis along. It is also there in case of a "mechanical", so they can get back home.

Keep in mind, UP steam is self owned and runs on its own rail system. 261 gets permission from BNSF or CP depending on the destination. There is also the issue of crew, pilot in particular, which comes with the Genesis. I believe the Amtrak conductor is in charge of the train.

I don't think that braking capacity enters into the picture here. The steam engines are equipped to handle that just fine.

I expect Hot Water to be along any time to set us all straight.

Related discussion here:

Diesel helpers on steam

Diesel pushers for steam trains is almost an oxymoron. 

Steam locomotive does not have enough power? Pull less cars

Worried a steam locomotive might have a breakdown that could impede revenue hauls? Have a diesel preceed the steam locomotive IF it breaks down, then it could pull it the remainder of the way.

No dynamic brakes? Were steam locomotives that unsafe?

IMO, I don't want no stinking diesels pushing any majestic steam locomotives. Period!

D500 posted:

"Diesel helper"? Is that next to the "Hamburger Helper" in the grocery store? OK, OK, too obvious.

That's the first thing that jumped into my head when I saw the title. Petroleum flavor... ewwwww.