posted
Greetings, I'm looking for information in regards to the way locomotives are lashed together in a train. I am curious as to why some are all facing the same way, some are front to front, some are back to back and some have one locomotive facing forward and three facing backwards!!! I am beginning to model the C&NW in Wisconsin, specifically the carferries in Manitowoc, my hometown. Thanks in advance for any replies.
Todder
conrailkid Member # 1898
posted
could be lots of reasons. back to back is a typical consist, and that just saves time turning power at the yard. your crew comes in on say, the west end unit going west, when the power is needed for an eastbound, the crew simply gets on the east facing engine. however, in this day of differed maintenence, units facing the same way are becoming more common. this way, if your lead unit fails, you can set it over and put the trail unit head out, and it will be facing the right way. for multiple unit consists- 3 or more, that can be a however they line up thing, or the guru's in the power dept. wanting power in a certain way for other trains using that particular power. hope this helps!
posted