This thread leads me to ask you a question about my trip behind the 481 on 6-27. We ran quite late that day because, among other things, we had to stop several times while the enginemen hauled bags of ice from the concession car and packed it around the driver tires on the 481. This is usually an indication that the brakes are overheating the tires.
Why wouldn't the engineer use the mountain cock on that hill? Does the cutout not work using the straight air they use on the D&S?
Your thoughts, oh great engine driver?