In my last few days working at Washinton Terminal recently, I was astounded to find the yards crews using the electric road engines as switchers. From the second floor lunch room in our building, I could see plenty of diesel switchers at the locomotive servicing area (the annex as we called it) just sitting there. I know in the underground cavern of Penn Station, New York, the use of a straight diesel engine is prohibited due to the exhaust factor, except in rare cases if they need to rescue a disabled train in the tunnels. I’ve even seen them use their P32 dual modes (700 series) engines to do switching, but Washington is mostly open, so the use of a diesel should be nothing to it. I just thought it was kind of strange to watch 7000 and 8000 horsepowered electric locomotives doing menial work instead of tearing up and down the mainline with loaded trains. I’m sure however, the yard crews didn’t mine, because that horsepower difference sure came in handy when it came to moving long consists around all night long. 600 to 1500 hp verses 7000 to 8000 hp…let’s see…hmmm… Anyway, you all have a Blessed day, a Blessed week, a Blessed month and a Blessed year!!
Glenn
A R E A L RAILROADER…A TRUER AMERICAN!!!