Eastern Railroad Discussion > mid-train helpers

Mid-train helpers are fairly common but sometimes the helpers are on the very rear of the train. Who makes the decision as to where they are placed? What factors influence their decision?

Some years ago, UP DPUs had to be
within 8500 ft of the head end.

GAPRoute Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Mid-train helpers are fairly common but sometimes
> the helpers are on the very rear of the train. Who
> makes the decision as to where they are placed?
> What factors influence their decision?

Mostly depends on the terrain and how long the train is.

GAPRoute Wrote:
> Mid-train helpers are fairly common but sometimes the helpers are on the very rear of the train. Who
> makes the decision as to where they are placed? What factors influence their decision?

Huh?  Mid-train helpers are anythng but common these days. What railroad and what time frame are you talking about?
/Ted

There are guidelines for DP placement. The current guidelines for one eastern class one is between 50-75% of train length not exceeding 8500 from head end. If mid-train, there is not to be more than 75% of the DP consist's rated tonnage behind it.

Posted from Android

I see them daily on the NS line between Centralia and St. Louis.  I don't watch every train go by and couldn't say what percentage has them, but they are common here, at least.

"Helpers" are generally defined in the railfan community as being manned, remotes are just that, remote controlled
and unmanned. Even in the few areas with manned helpers it would chicken's teeth rare to see a manned set mid-
train.

Out 

callum_out Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "Helpers" are generally defined in the railfan
> community as being manned, remotes are just that,
> remote controlled
> and unmanned. Even in the few areas with manned
> helpers it would chicken's teeth rare to see a
> manned set mid-
> train.
>
> Out 

Its a daily occurrence on the former MRL west of Helena over Mullan Pass but thats the only location that comes immediately to mind.

Posted from iPhone

DPU's every day on NS over Rockville Bridge, both directions.

PRR1361 Wrote:
> DPU's every day on NS over Rockville Bridge, both directions.

WHOA! Stop the presses!
/Ted