by John Smythe
Hi Mike,
I've seen this type of locomotive(s) with a caboose, nothing else on Conrail lines, segments that were officially up for abandonment, a " ICC " / " FRA " official would ride along with RR reps in the caboose & do a sort of show & tell why a certain line was no longer needed to be in service. The Conrail consists I have observed back in the 1980's would have the people standing outside looking around down at the tracks, ties, crossing signals, etc, as the train poked along about 10 MPH. A good friend of mine who used to work for Conrail explained the process to me & I hope others this information is of help to others.
I've seen this type of locomotive(s) with a caboose, nothing else on Conrail lines, segments that were officially up for abandonment, a " ICC " / " FRA " official would ride along with RR reps in the caboose & do a sort of show & tell why a certain line was no longer needed to be in service. The Conrail consists I have observed back in the 1980's would have the people standing outside looking around down at the tracks, ties, crossing signals, etc, as the train poked along about 10 MPH. A good friend of mine who used to work for Conrail explained the process to me & I hope others this information is of help to others.
Love me or hate me.....I've kept the " Flame of Hope " lit & burning for MEC #501 since 1995. J. Smythe... Former Master Mechanic MEC #501 Project 1995-2000.