'Lifting' a train

The Reading built four 4-4-4 fast passenger locomotives, the first of their kind, and were awarded the distinction of calling them "Reading class" locomotives, but due to a design flaw they were terribly rough riding and unstable at speed, and all 4 were quickly and quietly rebuilt as more conventional 4-4-2 locomotives.  The honor of the class name was quietly allowed to fade into oblivion.

I believe a Canadian Pacific Jubilee, 2929, still exists, Steamtown, Scranton, PA.

Lifting refers to the additional force required by the locomotive to pull a train up a grade or perhaps, more simply in the film that you watched, the term was used to describe pulling a train up a grade.

 

 

I had never heard the term 'lifted' to mean getting the consist moving.  Was this unique to Canada or was it used in the US also?

 

 

Yep. It can be difficult to get a train moving if stopped on a heavy grade for whatever reason... Engine failure, crew change. Having to stop to line a switch going up hill. etc.

 

I've heard the term many times....  He couldn't lift the train... or he ripped it apart trying to lift the train..  Ouch!!

SWANKO,

Thanks for heads up on the show. My cable carrier has it. I'll be setting the DVR. Looks like some interesting train footage.