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- Jul 16, 2010
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If you mean by deadhead that it was not doing anything, I did notice that smoke was coming from it while moving so it was running.
Once I read that engines cannot or should not be towed unpowered. If that's true, would someone explain why? Thanks.No, deadhead is just a term for moving equipment from point A to B for redistribution or use elsewhere. The equipment can be operational, but just not needed for a particular segment or train.
That applied to steam engines, but not diesels or electrics.If you mean by deadhead that it was not doing anything, I did notice that smoke was coming from it while moving so it was running.Once I read that engines cannot or should not be towed unpowered. If that's true, would someone explain why? Thanks.No, deadhead is just a term for moving equipment from point A to B for redistribution or use elsewhere. The equipment can be operational, but just not needed for a particular segment or train.
Thank you. I've seen the pictures; I should have thought of that.A perfect example of that last point are the ACS-64s that usually go California tp Chicago on the CZ, and then on to the NEC via Cardinal or CL. They couldn't be powered even if you wanted to, they only run under the wire.
90208 is one of several NPCUs (Non-Powered Cab Units) that are primarily used in California, on the Cascades line, and on the Downeaster line, but a few other random ones can be seen in other places every now and then. These units have absolutely no capability to haul a train (they must be accompanied by an engine on the end of the train), but they control acceleration and brakes and have lights and a horn. So their only purpose is so that the engine doesn't need to be moved from one end to the other at the end of a line or so that the entire consist doesn't need to be turned around.A little off topic, but I have seen some unexpected engines on the pacific surfliner (I live on the line) I don't know about the code names for engines at all, but I have seen a "90208" engine that looked pretty old, and a "503" engine with a similar design, and also an Amtrak Cascades engine a few times too.
And, sometimes they have been equipped with a large door on each side to be used as a baggage car, hence the nickname "cabbage".90208 is one of several NPCUs (Non-Powered Cab Units) that are primarily used in California, on the Cascades line, and on the Downeaster line, but a few other random ones can be seen in other places every now and then. These units have absolutely no capability to haul a train (they must be accompanied by an engine on the end of the train), but they control acceleration and brakes and have lights and a horn. So their only purpose is so that the engine doesn't need to be moved from one end to the other at the end of a line or so that the entire consist doesn't need to be turned around.
Ah, I forgot about that as I've never actually seen one in person being used for baggage.And, sometimes they have been equipped with a large door on each side to be used as a baggage car, hence the nickname "cabbage".
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