Re: Top-And-Tailing Anyone?
Author: mook
Date: 03-03-2015 - 17:48
Metrolink probably doesn't have nearly enough locomotives to do that. Though ... if they want longer trains ... that might be the only way (until the F125's arrive) to provided enough power to make schedule with a 6 or 8 car train. An F59 or even MP36 would accelerate the longer trains too slowly to make a commuter schedule.
Another consideration - Metrolink likes to have the locomotives on the east end of trains at LA Union Station. With two trains on one track (the normal situation), I'm not sure that provides any noise benefit, especially if the locomotive is a F59 with prime mover HEP (as many of them still are), but less noise in the loading area is probably the intention. So nearly all Metrolink and most Surfliner trains are cab-car-lead heading inbound to L.A.
Noise is the reason Caltrain usually has the locomotive on the south end of the train - it's outside the platforms of the 4th St. station in SF. That was important back when the F40s had prime mover HEP; as things were rebuilt, many got separate HEP generators so they're quieter in the station.