Re: Stress on couplers

Charlie:
If you can find a copy of the April 1956 issue of Trains magazine, you will find an article titled "Into the Freezing Darkness" which describes a ride from Alamosa to Chama and return on a freight train. The helper was mid-train. Perhaps the following will add a bit more light...
D&RGW Colorado Divison Time-Table Number 7, dated June 1, 1967 reads:
Helper Locomotives Subdivisions 11, 12, and 12-B
17-D Unless otherwise provided, helper must be placed on head end of train.
From Chama to Cumbres, if one helper is used, place just ahead of caboose. If two helpers are used, place one on head end and one just ahead of caboose.
From Antonito to Cumbrs, if train consists of more than 1400 adjusted tons, helper must be cut into train.
17-E Helper locomotives must not be trained behind narrow gauge caboose.
17-F Doubleheading is prohibited on descending grade movements Cumbres to Alamosa, Cumbres to Chama, Chama to Gato, and MP 443 to Carbon Junction, except in show service when authorized.
17-G Locomotives must not be doubleheaded over Bridges 319.95 and 339.78, Subdivison 11, or Bridges 452.42 and 471.23 Subdivision 12-B, and must not be operated over these bridges unless separated by at least one hundred feet. This separation must consist of lightly loaded equipment. It is not permissible to operate two locomotives over these bridges with only a flanger between them.