Re: Thomas

guymonmd Wrote:
=======================================================
> HighCommander Wrote:
> ==================================================
> =====
>
> >
> > 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.

There is a good reason the diesels were not used for this year's Thomas. Besides, the Museum wanted to show off 491. It looked a lot better than the diesels do shoving Thomas.