NS distributed power units?

Are you sure the were they DPU's and not just a set of manned helpers?

In my last visit to PA, many of the oil trains had rear units as far east as Enola or Harrisburg Terminal.  I would assume these are DPU's, given how far east they are running of the traditional helper districts.  These oil trains are great for catching heritage units.  I've seen many instances of two heritage units leading, or a heritage unit leading a train with a heritage unit as the DPU.

Rich, many/most of the oil trains that run on the Pittsburgh Line do operate with DPU power. Quite a few of the NS heritage units are assigned to these trains; one example that I saw a while back was the PC unit and another SD70ACe on the head end, with the NYC as the remote on the rear.

Curt, I can't say for sure when this started, but I'm going to say with the arrival of the AC units as they all seem to be set up for DPU operation.

Mike / Glenn:

Thanks for the responses.  We were in PA for a week in July and also flew up in May to ride one of the 765 Horseshoe Curve trips and this was the first time I saw a DPU on an oil train.

Rich, I'm 99 percent certain it was a DPU.  NS has never sent manned helpers as far east as Lewistown.  Additionally, the single engine was facing west and, when it went by the control stand was lit up like a Christmas tree and it was apparent no one was in the cab. I'll also note that it sounded it like was idling and not actually assisting the head end.

Curt