I recently watched a video in which BNSF moved 12 Locomotives around to a different location due to a shortage of power in that area. When they move these locos in a pack like that, are they all fully fueled when they move them and how many are powered?
Larry
Fueling probably depends on railroad policy and fuel availability at different locations.
I believe most railroads have limits on how many powered axles a train can have. The dead engines would still have brakes hooked up, but the traction gear would be isolated.
Fuel will take care of itself and maybe two will be powered. After all it is a train.
Do you know any RR’s specifications on this?
Special Instructions in Penn Central employee timetables from 1969 limited a consist to no more than 24 powered axles. Individual motor circuits were not to be isolated to stay within the limit.