Excursion Train Locomotives.

Classic Trains General Discussion
1

When watching DVD’S on steam excursion trains. I see diesel locomotives as a second locomotive. Why is this done? Is the power of the diesel needed to pull the train? Or is the diesel a backup in case the steam locomotive breaks down? dlm

2

A number of reasons come to mind: (1) To satisfy insurance requirements (2) Additional power when needed (3) Dynamic brake capability (4) The ability to allow drifting to conserve fuel and water. (5) Provide the host road an oppertunity to fly the flag (6) Provide protection power if needed The day of diesel backup is here to stay, several large excursion steamers past and present were/are equipped with MU controls to place control under a common crew… Dave

3

Thanks Dave,

Those are valid reasons. But I think seeing the diesel sort ruins the picture of the steam era operated trains. dlm

4

Another point, is that no major carrier will allow steam excursions, except UP (when they are in the mood and it’s either 844 or 3985- both OK) and CP (2816 only). This will not change anytime soon, or perhaps ,ever.

5

That’s not true. Milwaukee Road 261 runs on BNSF track – albeit as an Amtrak special – at least once or twice a year, often down the Mississippi River and through Illinois. And just a few weeks ago, it ran all over Wisconsin on CP trackage that Amtrak has rights on.

6

Union Pacific has a long standing Verbotten policy to foreign steam, the only exception is when the 4449 in AFT service required repairs at the Omaha Shops. Even under these circumstances, a pilot locomotive was supplied, none other then Northern 844(4) which was also in the shops and released at the same time, double headed to Council Bluffs Ia. Dave

7

One other use for diesels is to provide hotel power (lights, air conditioning) especially if they are using more modern coaches.

8

The classic example is Clinchfield 1, which was so small that it could only two or three cars on its own. CRR took two of its F7B’s and painted them to match the excursion coaches to provide the necessary horsepower to handle 10-15 car trains. It also fitted the steam locomotive with a modified hostler control to control the diesels.