Butler Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> Any of you rails reading this have any idea what
> the limits might be as to the number of units and
> their configuration that can be controlled via
> DPU?

Up to this point, UP hasn't had any published restrictions. This was a text train so it'll be interesting to see what, if anything, results from it.

> This DPU lashup with 3 (front) 2
> (mid-train), 2 more (mid-train) and 2 (on the
> rear) sounds like trouble just waiting to happen!

The main ptoblem is that running multiple sets of Dupes increases the chances for DPU logic problems.

> Apparently they did make a successful trip.

Well, they haven't made it yet! LOL. When I checked a little while ago they were comin' down Beaumont.

The trip wasn't been without problems, mostly related to the concept of multiple DPUs. They hadn't even made it out of Hutchins (the town where UP's DFW-area intermodal facility is located) before the first issue arose. They had about a six hour delay delay at Alfalfa Yard on the east side of El Paso, which included having to reboot one of the Dupes. Have been told there were some other problems, as well. But this was, basically, a test train to get some actual experience with operating trains like this. I'd be expecting them to tweak things as time goes on. Their dream is to eventually run five trains per week on this schedule, but not necessarily in the same configuration as this one.