All that logic in the cards of the GP38-2 just got there from God's goodness and doesn't represent a nerd designed computer of the day replacing what had recently been horses and drivers? Seems like 'teamster' is a field of work no longer so sought after.

The comment on dumbing down of O.P. vs. traditional allowed 'knack' by algorithm (if it comes to that) just means trains will need a skosh more loco to tonnage ratio. Hardly seems a deal killer on the margin. For all their claims of 'unit savings' going to the latest $2million offerings, I've seen in recent decades plenty of low tonnage trains with tremendous consists front and back.

Seems like our society is too 'perfected' anymore to favor employment of machine operators. Designers, implementers, repair people - sure. Plus the people that feed them and take care of their houses and children. Hardly the carriers fault - people's expensive and give you problems! Computers on their worst day don't sue you.