Love the 4449. In my opinion, they should have not coupled the diesel helper in front. Since 4449 was equipped with a diesel MU controller when this took place, the diesel should have been coupled behind the tender so 4449 could keep the spotlight. I understand that it would take up more time to cut the 4449 from the train, grab the diesel, reconnect to the train at Skykomish with the diesel helper behind the tender & cut it off & reconnect to the train at Merritt, but it would be well worth it. Again, just my opinion. Most people do not understand why a diesel helper is often coupled behind the tender or water canteen of a steamer. Since I have over a decade of railroad experience, I will do my best to help most people understand why. Most railroads that allow steam locomotives over their tracks won’t allow such a move unless a diesel helper is cut in. Almost all main line steam locomotives are equipped with an MU controller, which allows the steamer engineer to control the 1 or more diesel helpers cut in behind the steamer. There are also a few advantages with running a diesel helper behind a steamer. I will list a few: •Stretches the fuel & water mileage (this is handy when water & fuel sources are somewhat scarce) •Reduces wear & tear on the steamer •Reduces stress on boiler when ascending a grade •Provides dynamic braking when descending a grade or needing to slow down to reduce wear on air brakes •Can be used to move the train off the main track of the steamer suffers a mechanical breakdown. Some diesel helpers are also used to provide the passenger train with electrical power. The GE P42DC, commonly used by Amtrak, has that ability. The SD40-2, as seen in this video, does not have that ability as it is a freight locomotive. Feel free to comment if you happen to have any more questions.
I remember this my parents were putting gas in our car in cashmere and the gates went down thanking it was gust another bn train I herd the horn I knew it was not a freight train I and thin this beutifull. Locomotive came out behind the building I made my parents chance it to leavanworth I still remember that day now I'm 37 years old.
The reason there was a helper diesel, first and foremost, was BN executives made a stink about running a steam enginge through the tunnel, even though there was a time when only steam engines ran through the tunnel. It may have been at the behest of environmental zealots.
Diesel17 K good one man that fucker should have bin junked. I remember this day they also had had steam locomotive running on the bn WO branch from wenatchee I hope 4449 comes to wenatchee again.
The steam locomotives are so incapable that they run as circus amusements. Helpers may be required, however, under this circumstance, the diesel locomotive could have EASILY done the entire job! The steam locomotive is pathetic relic of antiquity which deserves to meet the hydraulic shears of a scrap metal operator & the HOT crucible of an induction furnace in an iron foundry! Yes, I would scrap those vehicles. They come to me, you know what is going to happen. I don't run a charity museum!
SHUT UP YOU FUCKING SON OF A BITCH!! IF ALL YOUR GOING TO DO IS GO ON STEAM LOCOMOTIVE VIDEOS, AND POST IDIOTIC COMMENTS LIKE THIS, THEN FUCKING GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE! THE DAYLIGHT IS A BEAUTIFUL LOCOMOTIVE AND IT WILL NEVER BE SCRAPPED!!
Pathetic steam locomotive! Has to be towed throw the Cascade Tunnel by a steam locomotive! No wonder they were rendered, "useless" & put out to to the scrappers! No to junk all the remaining garbage like this!
