John's picture illustrates the proper use of a diesel on a steam powered train and it's no
different than a normal helper assignment. For those with short memories or lacking in years of
age, the 800 series UP steam locomotives were last assigned to 60-70 mph freight service between
Cheyenne/North Platte and Council Bluffs. That's 70 mph with a freight train without a diesel in
sight. I would be will to be that the issue with the 844 and the flat wheels can be traced to the
interface between the MU box and the EMD thing behind it. Easy solution, already mentioned and it's a radio and a crew in the diesel. That of course costs money. So I would not be surprised to
see a "modernization" of the MU box and at least two additional interface points on both the
alternator leg and fuel leg of the trailing unit. That, or just stick a Harris DPU box in the
steamer and be done with it.