Hello everybody,
spend Saturday on a local self guided model layout tour.[:P] Had a great time and got to know some interesting people. One of these gentleman was someone that is a locomotive engineer for the Canadian Pacific. So this was a great opportunity to ask questions. One question was: “What is the slowest speed with which you brought a freight train into Guelph Junction.” Guelph Junction is to the west of Toronto and it is the location where the double tracks split up and is also the crest of a short but steep climb. It-the grade- is the ruling grade for the line from Toronto to London as well.
The reply was a great surprise. I had expected 10 mph. He said the slowest he pulled a freight up the incline was .6 MPH. Yes it was only .6 MPH. Apparently he was out of sand on a cold wet fall day with over 7000 ton on the hook. The engine was shaking and rattling as it fought for traction but they made the entire run. I was surprised that the locomotive on board management did not shut the engine down.
Just had to share this with everybody.
Frank [:)]