Re: NNG - SLRG's busy and "interesting" weekend.....

ABSOLUTELY you want to wind up ALL handbrakes here on steep, mountain track, specifically if the timetable orders it, and loaded passenger equipment is involved or anywhere close, as much as a PITA it might be!!! However, I'm not sure how Norfolk Southern, e.g., might handle this situation for a 150-car coal drag.

During my ATSF switchman/brakeman mid-'60s days, I got to appreciate how damned HEAVY rail equipment is, how EASILY it can start moving, particularly roller-bearing cars, especially on grades, and the damage possible...also how fairly quickly car reservoir brake air, along with leaky hoses, can bleed off. All you need is to lose enough air to permit cars to start rolling. G'bye!!

Myself and two other "switchies" once pushed an empty new hopper car a few feet in the flat Abq Abajo Yard. Didn't take much.



Edited 10 time(s). Last edit at 09/27/2009 04:29PM by Abqfoamer.