HighCommander Wrote:
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>
> 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 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.
Thank you for confirming everything I had assumed. I would think that one of the diesels could be used as the power for the Thomas trains(they use less fuel and less labor than running 491). But then Thomas and Diesel are not very good friends on the show. Also 491 can handle a heavier train I am sure.