Any BNSF trainmen or engineers here?

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

Whilst doing some custom detailing to MTH SD70ace’s, Ive noticed that the BNSF versions have an extra MU plug / socket on the pilot on the conductors side. Can anyone tell me why the BNSF units have this extra socket and what its use is?

You can see the MU cable plugged into the extra socket on the far right of the red one here-

http://www.locophotos.com/PhotoDetails.php?PhotoID=80042

In comparison, UP #1983 does not have this extra socket, here-

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=114043&nseq=92&favsearch=1

Thanks guys. Happy new year.

2

Asking the question specifically to BNSF trainmen or engineers will limit your responses.

There are plenty here that can answer (I’m no one of them) [swg]

Happy New Year

3

I’m not on the BNSF, I’m on the other team, but I looked at this thread anyway. [:)]

The BNSF engine has two dummy receptacles for the MU cable. I came across a UP engine that did have an extra receptacle like that recently. This allows the cable to be stowed without actually being plugged into the live receptacle, like the one in the BNSF picture.

Jeff

4

Yep, thats a fair point, thanks.

5

Thankyou Jeff, think I can guess what the ‘other team’ is [;)] that makes perfect sense now! I guess it keeps the sockets clean and dry when not in use and saves having to carry the MU cable into the cab when its not in use also. I know from my aprt of the world, poor MU connections from dirt and water cause a big portion of failures out on the road!

Thanks again.