I remember watching C&NW trains go through Oskaloosa Iowa during the late 50’s and early 60’s. There was a certain engine consist that fascinated me. It was a lash-up of 5 F unit engines. The first one faced to the front, the second to the rear, the third to the front, and the last two faced to the rear. Does anybody have any pictures reflecting this? I know this is obscure, but I was always thrilled by these engines.
I remember seeing photos in several CGW books. You think thats amazing- CGW would run 10 F units ABBBBBBBBBA!
One would expect that in mountainous areas, but in the midwest that’s wild. That sounds like maybe they were doing a relay segment of reeefer runs.
And 5-8 units was a NORMAL CGW train. They did that to cut overhead, since they had so much competition.