Re: Flanger/Spreader trains 1965-1966

Don McGovern Wrote:
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> Double headed trains from Alamosa to Antonito have
> both locos on the head end but then would place
> the helper part way back in the train. I
> understand why they would do this from Antonito
> west but why to Antonio. Because of higher speeds
> Alamosa to Antonito?

Don,

I'm going to take some guesses here.

I think the the reason for putting the helper mid-train or even just in front of the caboose was to reduce the chances of pulling a drawbar on the grades. This would be less likely between Alamosa and Antonito.

The question then becomes why wait until Antonito to setup this configuration? I'm not coming up with any decent guesses here.

Greg Coit
Bayfield, CO