Narrow Gauge Talk Forum

I have a question, why is their two diesel locomotives with the big boy engine? The train is not that so obviously the Bigboy could handle it with no problem, why did they add the diesels? Can the UP not trust there own work, or afraid the engine will break down?

In Canada, the Canadian Pacific does the same thing with their Hudson, #2816. The reason I have heard for why they do that is because if the steam locomotive breaks down on the main line, it can't stay there and it will cost them money to send out a diesel to drag it home. So they just plop them on just in case. I would assume the same rationale applies to the UP.

Robert

We were just told by the BNSF the other day in training, that for every minute the railroad is shut down and trains are stopped- 5,000 plus dollars are lost. I could definitely see that being a problem!

Okay I guess that's a problem, but what's the chances of the steam engine breaking down. I just don't like diesels on a train with the steam engines.

Well it also increases a steam locomotives efficiency (hardly working at all) which is turn decreases the need to stop for water and fuel. And of course, whichever railroad it is, I'm sure has to have some their own equipment plus a handful of their employees on any kind of trip like this. Got's to do everything to cover their butts....

That locomotive could pull those cars without power.

I thought this was cool, it shows a water spout still there.

On a different note- i believe that is one of the surviving Challenger locomotives- a 4-6-6-4. Not the big boy which is a 4-8-8-4

Ops, my careless mistake!

ha, whats to say.... either engine is a bohemeth anyways!

Its really not a mater of "if the locomotive can pull the train by itself" or not.

To answer your question Michael, it can be any number of reason why a diesel would be placed behind a steam locomotive... the biggest one mainly is liability.

Just like any other piece of machinery, a steam locomotive can and will on occasion have a mechanical problem, and force the train to stop. In many cases, because the diesel is behind it, the train can limp itself into the nearest siding because of the diesel engine. there are a number of other reasons as well...

Helpers - Sometimes the steamer might need an added boost while climbing areas with steep grades, like mountain passes. By doing this, the dispatchers can be reassured the train will make the grade with relatively no speed related time delays.

HEP Power - In many cases, steam locomotives are not equipped with any sort of way to power modern passenger cars. In the cases where an Amtrak diesel trails a steam locomotive, odds are it is supplying power to the coaches. Usually the electricity supplies power to the AC, Lights, Snack Bars, and a number of other things essential for most of these trips.

Braking - Another advantage a diesel has over a steam locomotive is dynamic braking. While descending steep grades, "Dynos" make train handling easier in many cases, and saves a railroad on brake shoes. The addition of dynos also makes the train safer, and easier to control.

Back Up Power - In some cases, an excursion may venture its way up a remote branch-line. If something happens to the locomotive, and there is no diesel in the consist, it may take hours for a rescue train to arrive on scene, leaving all passengers stranded.

Show - In some cases, a diesel locomotive may also be behind a steam locomotive for show. In the case of the photograph you posted of UP 3985 on a trip down the Feather River Canyon in California, the first trailing diesel is Union Pacific's heritage locomotive UP 1983, which pays respects to the Western Pacific Railroad, former owner of the Feather River Route. (I don't not believe that is the sole reason the 1983 is in the train.)

There are many other reasons out there why a diesel is now becoming common place behind a steam locomotive on many steam excursions. Complain about it all you want, but if you want to see a steam locomotive operate on ANY mainline railroad, expect a diesel behind it. Without that diesel, that engine is simply going to stay parked.

-DRGW489