I would assume starting a train in winter is harder than summer (same length, motive power, weight, terrain, etc, just hot cold difference), due to air hose leakage, bearing, brakes sticking, slippery rails, thus longer wait time and maybe higher notch at start. To me, an armchair RR, the obvious answer is yes, winter is more difficult.
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Here's some "Adjusted Tonnage Ratings" from the Wabash Railroad Co's Decatur Division employee timetable, dated April 25th, 1954.
Landers Yard-Brisbane: D-45 (4500 hp diesel), temperature above 30 degrees and not much wind: 6900 tons
Same, O-1 4-8-4: 3720 tons
D-45: temperature below zero and strong head or side wind, 5350 tons
O-1 4-8-4: 2880 tons
On District 11, Bluffs, IL-Keokuk, IA, still being operated with 1899-era 2-6-0's, Bluffs-Clayton, in 30 degree+ weather: 710 tons/locomotive. Temperature below zero: 595 tons/locomotive. (these were the smallest tonnage ratings for the 2-6-0's, as they were fighting their way out of the Illinois River valley. ratings were as high as 1740 tons/locomotive, in good weather, Clayton-Bluffs)
"These ratings to be adhered to as much as possible. Authority to reduce tonnage for any reason must be secured from Trainmaster"
Interesting question, thanks for the replies,nice to hear from both of you again.
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