 |
Re: California Western Double Header June 1974
Author: Fresno Sub
Date: 01-31-2010 - 07:49
(Overly simplistic answer to above questions regarding train number / engine number)
The engine number is, of course, #46 but the actual train ID is "Extra 45" (whatever direction). Note the picture description indicates that both #45 and #46 are part of the engine consist. Old train order rules allowed for a completely different engine number to be lead as long as the "train number/identifier" was correctly displayed in the lead unit's number board. The clearance card and any trainorders issued that day to this train and others along the route would make reference to "Extra 45."
The "train number/identifier" was the train's identification for the purposes of meeting other trains, etc. (also why it was/is a violation of rules to have the number boards in the trailing unit(s) lit up at night time). As long as the lead engine was identified as being part of the entire engine consist, there was no rule violation.
Why they used "#45" rather than "#46?" Who knows. Had to be there that day, I guess.
FS
The engine number is, of course, #46 but the actual train ID is "Extra 45" (whatever direction). Note the picture description indicates that both #45 and #46 are part of the engine consist. Old train order rules allowed for a completely different engine number to be lead as long as the "train number/identifier" was correctly displayed in the lead unit's number board. The clearance card and any trainorders issued that day to this train and others along the route would make reference to "Extra 45."
The "train number/identifier" was the train's identification for the purposes of meeting other trains, etc. (also why it was/is a violation of rules to have the number boards in the trailing unit(s) lit up at night time). As long as the lead engine was identified as being part of the entire engine consist, there was no rule violation.
Why they used "#45" rather than "#46?" Who knows. Had to be there that day, I guess.
FS
