They are already tearing up the #9 and the #12 with wood cars. By going to steel cars, they have a higher tare. That means a lower payload.
Are they going to reduce the train length to lower the wear and tear on the small locomotives? I do not think so.
If #9 and #12 can double head frequently, maybe the wear and tear on the locos will not be so bad. Of course, you just increase the crew costs - two engine crews per train instead of one.
Me thinks they are not thinking but no one ever accused CHS of knowing how to find its back side even with civil engineers and transits and levels and celestial navigation fixes.
With the wealth of knowledge out here on steam railroads, CHS has done nothing to get the good will of the railfan community or asking questions - just like the car display building in Silver Plume that was just plunked down in the parking lot - again without thinking about impact.
Doug vV