Yes, the locomotive controlled by this type of platform can only be coupled to the far end. These platforms are only equipped to be ridden on one end, the end with the railings. Note the horn faces away from the riding platform end, so the "robot commanders" don't get blasted in the ears while riding the platform. Platforms converted from locomotives can have the controlled locomotive coupled at either end. Most of the platforms converted from pulpwood cars now have large concrete slabs on the car because of problems with them derailing due to being too light. The picture showing the platform in the middle of the train is a violation of CSX Restricted Equipment rules. These platforms must be placed at the rear of the train when moved in freight trains.
I know there are a few made out of old CSX GE's. I am not sure if there are pics of them on the web or not. They blanked out all the radiators, intakes, blowers etc. It functions identical to the flat car platforms only in a locomotive car body. So in real life it is a dummy loco. But I think that idea was canned for the flat car option as it may be cheaper.
The loco(s) coupled to the RCC can be facing either direction, but can only be coupled to the RCC at one end (opposite the riding end). RC operations cannot exceed 15 MPH and usually are restricted from operating over 'public' crossings so the ditch lights are not required. (ditch lights are only required over public crossings at speed over 20 MPH) All the power for the equipment is fed via the regular MU jumper from the controlled loco. Some of the units mentioned above with the blanked radiators/stacks/etc. are actually 'slug' units that retain their traction motors and get the electricity from the mated unit. You can tell a slug unit from an RC by the presence of an addition set of power cables along with the usual MU hoses and jumper between them. There is a new device recently on the market (advertised in the industry mag 'Railway Age') with a box that clamps to the handrail stanchions on one end and hooks to the regular MU connections to provide remote capabilities to any engine or consist. That would even negate the need for the RCC cars if a railroad went with that system. All units in a consist can be controlled by the RCC or the new box device.
This raises a question in my ignorant brain.... I thought that loco control boxes were to allow the operator to be on the ground where he/she had a better view of the operation, pull pins, throw switches, etc. Yet this "car" is equipped so the operator must ride onboard and dismount to pull pins and throw switches. Doesn't this defeat the purpose of the control box, I mean why wouldn't the operator choose to operate from inside the loco's cab out of the weather?
Hytec: If I understand this correctly...riding the platform is only one option. The RCC can also be controlled from the ground with a box. So, CSX can couple an engine to the RCC car and use it remotely. Then, they can uncouple the engine from the RCC car and use it on the road as a manned engine. This is unlike UP, for example, who has modified engines permanently to be unmanned. There is not an option to use that modified engine as a manned engine anymore; it would have to be unmodified to be a manned engine again. Seems to me that CSX is making a more effective use of its motive power.
Most of the time the RCOs will be on the ground doing what needs to be done. The main reason for that platform on the end is to give them a safe place to ride. Riding in the cab of a locomotive and controlling it by remote control defeats the purpose of eliminating the engineer. Technically (at least on CSX) the RCO is not permitted to be in the engineer's seat while operating a locomotive by remote control.
Thanks Rick, I now understand that the control car contains only the receiver and MU electronics for the locomotive, and not the operator controls which are in the box held by the RCO....right?
That would be correct. CSX also has several locomotives that are equipped with remote control, and do not require a separate RC platform. These retain their original numbers, and are not put into the 9100-9300 series.
It's interesting that CSX has both R/C platforms and R/C locos. I guess I should have known they would do both. I wonder if they will standardize on one or the other someday?
I believe I caught an SD40-2 remote control unit at the Broadway yard in Buffalo when I was there over the holidays. I will try to post a pic soon. Dan
Well, I'm not working in Willard, OH right now, so I can't give specific numbers of what's there, but many of the GP39s (4280 series), some GP38-2s (2500 I think is at Willard), and some of the 2400 series SD40-2s. They have a nose modification where the RCO control box is accessed through doors on the front of the nose. If I think about it, I'll try and give you some specific numbers if I see them.
O.K... I know what you are talking about, but I didn;t know it gave them full R/C capability. I caught one SD40-2 with the nose modification. Harold
Thanks for the great shots. This is something I think I will model. What is the lenght and what flatcar model would be a good starting point? Jeff