One Engine vs. Two

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VentureForth

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Joined
Jan 23, 2007
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West Melbourne, FL
I know that jim_hudson and I have lamented over the fact that the Texas Eagle gets only one engine while many other lines that don't seem to need them get two.

I just saw on railpictures.net that the PDX section of the Empire Builder runs with 2x P42s with only 4 coaches!

What gives?
 
I know that jim_hudson and I have lamented over the fact that the Texas Eagle gets only one engine while many other lines that don't seem to need them get two.

I just saw on railpictures.net that the PDX section of the Empire Builder runs with 2x P42s with only 4 coaches!

What gives?
My guess is that Amtrak is forced to add another locomotive on those routes which have them. Either by the nature of the terrain or by the requirements of the host railroad. In the case of the TE Amtrak apparently believes that having loaner locomotives a few hours away is good enough and thus they see no reason to bother adding a second unit. Unfortunately those of us who ride the TE sometimes suffer for this lack of planning and/or lack of resources and/or host-imposed imbalance.
 
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I just saw on railpictures.net that the PDX section of the Empire Builder runs with 2x P42s with only 4 coaches!

What gives?
IME it only runs with one engine. I suppose sometimes it runs with two.

Here are three Youtube links showing 27 or 28 w/one engine.

 
I highly doubt that the Portland section of the EB runs with two locos every day. it was probably some move involving a locomotive being returned to the west coast from Beech Grove.
 
During certain times of the year, the host railroads may request additional power. This is especially true on this route where weather can be an issue. BNSF has been known to ask for three units if snow is in the forecast.
 
During certain times of the year, the host railroads may request additional power. This is especially true on this route where weather can be an issue. BNSF has been known to ask for three units if snow is in the forecast.
Thanks for all the inside info! I sure wish BNSF and UP would require the Texas Eagle to run with two engines due to the cold weather in the Black Hole between LRK and STL, and the stifling heat in Texas in the summer!
I know of 12 instances just in the past 2 years where a P-42 crapped out delaying the Eagles!

In one instance the heat was 110 and a full train ( I was on it) had to sit without HEP for 4 hours before a rescue freight unit could pull it to SAS!!
 
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Thanks for the explanation on the PDX section. I know that the freights haven't required Amtrak to use two between SAS and CHI so Amtrak won't spend the cash, but I agree with jimhudson - they oughta during peak times.
 
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