Mike Pechner Wrote:
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> Couple of points I know for a fact, that SP
> allowed the #4449 to run alone without assistant
> except in regular "helper territory" Donner,
> Tehacapai, Cuesta, Dunsmuir, Pengra Pass. Out of
> helper territory, diesels were removed. If anyone
> remember the AFT, the #4449 ran along except in
> helper territory. IN May of 1999, UP ran the
> #844/3985 west to the dedication of the new
> Roseville yard with a 22 car train. UP had a singe
> AC44 BEHIND the Steamers and as soon as it got
> inside the Big Hole, it died leaving the two
> steamers to crawl up the 2.4% grade by themselves.
> I was on the train and when the train stopped for
> servicing at Norden, Steve Lee commented to me
> that another 30 seconds inside the tunnel could
> have been fatal because of the heat and smoke. Mr.
> Lee said he had a new appreciated for
> Cab-Forwards! Doyle McCormick uses the diesel to
> save water and give the #4449 a boost when leaving
> a siding. Hopes this help, Juppo, Good question!

Do you know for a fact that the SP 4449 never experienced a problem while not in a helper territory? If not, then your point is moot...