Relatively new railfan here so over the next few weeks I will be asking some novice questions. Here is the first. There are numerous hoses on the front of a locomotive. I am sure one is for the main air brake system, another is that huge one that is above the knuckle and I assume that is for M.U. configurations. What are the others for? They look like air hoses.
Thank you.
Tom
Sandusky, Ohio
The one next to the coupler is for the brake pipe, which effectively runs the length of the train. It is air.
The one connected above the coupler is the MU cable, which electrically connects the locomotives. It’s all wires. There will be a large plug on each end.
There are usually three hoses on each side of the pilot. They are main reservoir, actuating (“bailing off”), and brake cylinder (independent brakes). They are air hoses.
You might find this site informative: http://www.railway-technical.com/trains/rolling-stock-index-l/diesel-locomotives/us-locomotive-mu-control.html
Thanks tree68. Perfect answer.
Cheers.
Tom