Re: ALCO LOVE
Author: ex-BN
Date: 09-20-2016 - 09:08
A hard joint yes but not that unusual. What I see is that all five units are on line during a switching move. There is no need for that and at one time was against the rules on the BN (max was either 2 units or 12 axles--I forget). Also locomotive brakes respond more slowly as you add units. When I've had a days worth of switching to do with 5 or more locomotives I've cut off all but two. Not just isolated but set out. The extra time required to MU the locomotives is worth it to have a much easier day of switching. But then I'm not lazy so I don't mind the extra work coupling a few hoses etc.
I'll reserve my comments on the operating practices of spin-offs.