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 Posted - October 04 2008 : 6:28:40 PM
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http://www.rail-videos.net/video/view.php?id=3856
How do they run Steam and Diesel together as in this video. Are they in radio contact with each loco and engineer or is it as simple as MUing? I've never read anything about this topic.
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Posted - October 04 2008 : 7:29:25 PM
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Kinda kookie, eh?
In a few books I used to have, mostly by Don Ball Jr., there are pictures of a steam locomotive working as a helper for the Super Chief diesels. Quite unbelievable, I know. In Kamloops, BC Canada, the 2-8-0 locomotive has an M.U. connection as well. Yeah, like putting cruise control on a Model T... Essentially, both Steam and Diesel work together. Now, does the engineer in the steam locomotive control the diesel, or the diesel engineer to steam? I am thinking the the diesel in the video link you provided has more than one purpose.
1. Yes, as a helper for traction, yet the steam locomotive is kept in front because you want the head engine to be the celebrity.
2. What is the consist of the entire train? Yeah, passenger cars. How does the steam locomotive provide power to those coaches? Well, far as I know, it doesn't. No longer are there steam generator cars for passenger trains. That diesel acts as power for them. Also, for brake application when needed... as opposed to skidding your own shoe on your bike tire, the steam locomotive has enough power to stop itself. And, you can't easily go from the steam locomotive into the diesel to set its brakes either.
So, as a safety precaution and power generator, you are able to run steam with diesel.
Okay, now that I have given you the answers, as best as I know, perhaps someone else can give more specifics towards the diesel's purpose.
John
I don't have a one track mind. It depends on the turn-out.
"I love your catenary!"
Is that a power-trip or just another pick-up line?
Edited by - zebrails on October 04 2008 8:09:02 PM
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Posted - October 04 2008 : 7:41:55 PM
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| Some steam helpers were used in the Transition period, for example, like mentioned, steam helpers on the Super Chief out of L.A. and over Cajon Pass. As far as I know, there is a crew in each loco--the diesel and steam helper. In pre-radio days, they communicated by whistle/horn. I think the steam engine crew just tried to coordinate with the diesel as best as possible.
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Posted - October 05 2008 : 9:39:43 PM
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Thanks fellas!
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