Were they manned ? Or maybe DPUs, idling because head end power could have been idling in that time as well ? Dom
Possibly to assist with air supply? Also possible assist with extra power if they could be controlled individually from the head end?
Alot of locos nowadays have a "hot-start or smart-start" system in them, they'll idle up to a certain temp then shut down for a bit. When they get down to a certain temp, they'll fire back up to keep them warm. Saves fuel and these older locos can be a real pain to start-up when cold, kill the batteries and more wear and tear on the starter. Colder weather in Fall and Winter means they run alot more.
Old SD40-2 in yard use near the carshop... Notice ALL the EMD hood units everywhere, even in the distance!!
Man, if I ever had the time to get down to BNSF's Richmond, Ca, yards, I see Cascade Green and some ATSF Freightbonnets there from the freeway. Sucks that I'm in my semi and I can't stop...and it's always at might. But! There will always be Cascade Green on my layout (along with Chinese Red and the rest!)
I always liked this shot, although it is pre-BNSF by a long shot. The MoPac caboose attests to that. However, there was a lot of BN and other predecessor rolling stock present. This is North West Robertson County ...... in Texas.
BN, GN, CB&Q all grain 40' grain boxcars!! Great shot, as I just got some of these grain boards for my Milw boxcars, like the BN car to the left.
I don't know which local this is, as multiple locals operate west out of Minot. If it goes to Crosby, this might be fairly healthy. If it goes to Williston, it would be light.
