Different Road Power Consists

BasilOGR Forum Member

I'm relatively new to the hobby of trains and have been enjoying getting to know the many, many aspects of the hobby. Recently, I've been watching video of real trains to get an idea of consists and what you would "typically" see, if there is such a thing. Anyway, I was surprised to see a video of Soo Line power lashed up with NS power and CN with BNSF and yet another CN lashed up with NS. Is that normal? I thought those were competing railroads. How often do railroads share power?

Here's a link to the CN/BNSF & CN/NS trains: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...dbtICB38inmvpM-zlVaw

3/29/162:41 PM

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Hot WaterOGR Forum Member

First, since you are admittedly "new", the term "lash up" is a hobbyist term, and not used by most, if not all, railroaders to describe diesel unit MU'ed consists.

Now, yes, many/all major railroads do indeed "share" motive power, referred to as "power pooling".

3/29/162:50 PM

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BasilOGR Forum Member

Thanks for the education! Fun fact: "power pooling" is also an electric generation term used when two or more power generators transmit over the same lines.

The railroads are truly fascinating. When I watch these 100+ car consists I often wonder who keeps track of all those cars!

3/29/162:58 PM

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Hot WaterOGR Forum Member

Basil posted:
Thanks for the education! Fun fact: "power pooling" is also an electric generation term used when two or more power generators transmit over the same lines.
Right.
The railroads are truly fascinating. When I watch these 100+ car consists I often wonder who keeps track of all those cars!
Computers keep track of those cars, and EVERY car, nowadays.

3/29/163:01 PM

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