Re: Thomas

Hadder Wrote:
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> Interesting they have Thomas on front of the 491.
> Most Railroads operate Day out with Thomas with
> the 'Powered Locomotive' on the opposite end from
> Thomas. I thought that was part of the contract,
> so that attention is not taken away from the
> 'Really Useful Engine'.

The CRRM has 1/2 mile of loop track. Line of sight is limited. It is not safe to push Thomas and eight rider cars with the engine in the rear. The CRRM is congested. Cars on sidings, curves and lots of visitors to look out for. You can apply the train brakes from Thomas, but it is much safer to have the pusher engine right behind Thomas.
The CRRM has been running Thomas in front of the pusher engine since 2002. We do put an "engineer and fireman" in Thomas and there are 2 brake "dump" valves in Thomas's cab. Our Thomas conductor tells the riders that we have a big train and Thomas needs some help.
There's a lot going on in Thomas. All whistle signals are given by Thomas, there's the smoke generator to control, cutting in and out the air feed to the smoke blower and whistle. (The system is such, if you use the air with the feed valve open it makes the train air system take a 5 lb. set) Thomas now talks, you have to push buttons entering and leaving the station. Push the PR button and he talks in Spanish! .Another button rolls his eyes. Then both people in the cab have to watch out for people, rabbits and deer on and around the tracks, especially crossing the driveway to the Museum. Even then the view out the front of Thomas is partially restricted. Then you have to smile and wave to the people. It does require having an IQ a little above a soap dish.



Edited 7 time(s). Last edit at 09/16/2014 05:35PM by HighCommander.