Question really not pertinent to this forum but requesting some explanation on how pushers are utilized.
1. When i see info on steam pushers being used - ie- on the Elmira branch's coal runs they used engines at the rear.
2. Watching a show now on a present day 1.6 mile long iron ore train of 24,000 tons running from a mine operation in Upper Canada. Mentions 240 cars being pulled by 2 engines but then has a "helper" engine 2/3 of the way back.
I presume the crew of the pusher would know from experience and 'feel' how much push ( for lack of a better term) but the helper in the middle the ore train was presented as unmanned. If so i suppose again, was controlled electronically from the lead engine?
Curious how everything is coordinated between crews /engines.
thanks
Mark
1. When i see info on steam pushers being used - ie- on the Elmira branch's coal runs they used engines at the rear.
2. Watching a show now on a present day 1.6 mile long iron ore train of 24,000 tons running from a mine operation in Upper Canada. Mentions 240 cars being pulled by 2 engines but then has a "helper" engine 2/3 of the way back.
I presume the crew of the pusher would know from experience and 'feel' how much push ( for lack of a better term) but the helper in the middle the ore train was presented as unmanned. If so i suppose again, was controlled electronically from the lead engine?
Curious how everything is coordinated between crews /engines.
thanks
Mark