Does anyone know what the more common train symbols Union Pacific uses for intermodal trains going from Global III to LA are? As well as typical lengts, number of platforms, total weight, power, etc?
Also, if anyone knows the physics involved in railcar coupling, that would be appreciated.
Thanks
Tom
Coupling involves the brakeman/conductor to open up the knuckle on one of the couplers about to be coupled(that is, if a knuckle got closed after being uncoupled), then the engineer softly pushing one into the other, causing the open knuckle to close and thereby locking the two together.
As for the other question, I can’t answer that. I’m sure that length, weight, power etc. varies with each train however. As for power, whatever’s available, though back in the SP days they’d run high-horsepower 4-axle units such as B40-8s or GP60s.
I think there are 2 symbols used. One is IG1LA and the other is IG2LA. I’m not aware of any other symbols.
I wish I could help out on the other questions.
The train going westbound is the K-G3CI- (date)
K is the priority code.
G3 =Rochelle
CI= City of Industry CA
The eastbound is the Z-CIG3 (date)
It gets a higher priority Z symbol because it loses 2 time zone going east.
They’re both 5th AM availability trains at destination. Good runners.
Your last question on the physics of railcar coupling, could you clarify what you’re asking there?
As of 2004 there was I-G3LA going west and K-LBG3 going east. Not to much priority traffic originating out of G3 other than maybe a few schnieder national trailors.
Tom,
Im asking how it relates to Newton’s 3rd law of motion.
-Tom