Amtrak #8 with an engine on the end!

[bgiaquin]

A few minutes ago I saw a late train 8 with an engine at the end?! Can anyone fill me in as to why?

 

[John Bobinyec]

A few minutes ago I saw a late train 8 with an engine at the end?! Can anyone fill me in as to why?

See how it works is - the engine is at the end so it can pull the train along the track. Sorry - I couldn't resist.

How about some details? Where was this? Whose engine was it? Amtrak's? What was on the OTHER end?

Again - sorry for the ribbing.

jb

 

[bgiaquin]

A few minutes ago I saw a late train 8 with an engine at the end?! Can anyone fill me in as to why?

See how it works is - the engine is at the end so it can pull the train along the track. Sorry - I couldn't resist.

How about some details? Where was this? Whose engine was it? Amtrak's? What was on the OTHER end?

Again - sorry for the ribbing.

jb

Okay it was in Winona MN. It was an amtrak engine. The other end had the usual 2 P42s.

 

[John Bobinyec]

My sources indicate that they had to pick up a unit that had broken down on a prior trip,

jb

 

[SPG]

P-42 #45

 

[bgiaquin]

Alright thanks.

 

[TinCan782]

Maybe on its way back to Chicago and it was more convenient to put it on the rear than the head-end.

 

[rickycourtney]

7(24) had to set out AMTK 45 at Minneapolis yesterday due to mechanical issues.

 

[Ryan]

I presume it was being pulled backwards then?

 

[battalion51]

Wouldn't matter what direction its failing if they tacked it on the end. The engine had to be shut down with the engine brakes cut out, only automatics could be set up for it to be back there.