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1. Why do they leave the engines running when not in use? aren't they wasting gas.
2. Sometimes I see trains with 4 man crew in the cab, other times I see 3, 2, and just 1. Isn't there a standard number?
George Harris Member # 2077
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Standard train crew is now 2. Whenyou see one, The other is probably eleswhere. There are many reasons there could be an extra person, either working, supervisor, or another crew or part of one along for the ride to get somewhere else.
Start up of a large diesel is not as simple s turning the key of an automobile. A warm-up period for a cold unit is also needed. It takes a lengthy out of service period to justify shut down. For newer units this is not as long as older ones. I believe it is now sopmething under an hour. They also have no antifreeze, so either they must run of have water heaters going during below freezing weather.
Railroad Bob Member # 3508
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quote:Originally posted by George Harris: Standard train crew is now 2.
Yes, except where the standard crew is ONE, such as Surfliners, and many other short-to-medium length passenger runs including some shorter divisions of some Amtrak long haul trains. There is a lot of pressure to remove that second guy, as bad an idea that it is. Freight service usually sees the 2 or more, since conductors, and brakemen if assigned, ride the units since the demise of way cars/cabooses. Maybe some active engineers can chime in here with their views on this subject.
gp35 Member # 3971
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I see 1 man driving the train on the UP line between Beaumont and Port Arthur. Sometimes the train stops between intersections. I usually get a good look, but I can be wrong.
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