What does the crew on a manned helper or DPU do?
I’ll use the NS helpers between Altoona and Johnstown for my answer. NS’ helper pool in this area consists of former Conrail SD40-2’s with 2 man crews. These units run in 2 unit sets. and are sometimes coupled together to make a double set, or a ‘4 banger’ for heavier coal drags… The helpers are primarily used to shove East and Westbound trains over the Alleghenies between Altoona and Johnstown, and often West and East to and from near Pittsburgh. The helper engineer when on the rear will simply use his engines to pu***he slack in on the train and will use his amp gauge and radio to determine how much the head end is working, and how much help it needs…The helper also assists in dynamic braking when on the downhill legs. Helpers in this area are also often added to the head end, for additional power if needed, or if a road engine is down or has bad dynamics. Head end helpers are also added here if the road crew is getting close to outlawing, and the helper crew will take over the train to get it over the mountain to a suitable crew change point. Altoona helpers are also used as help for road engines for local coal mine runs as well as run through freights…So in a nutshell, a helper crew does just that…assists a train over a grade with tractive effort and dynamic braking.
That is a very good answer!! [bow]