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Up the Creek Column - 13
22: Another oops! Train SAHW has stalled on the 2.8%
grade between Mill Bend and Oakhill. Each train crew
receives a train sheet for their train. This lists the des-
tination, stops along the way, blocking order of cars,
special instructions, and the speed limits and maximum
length for the train.
The deck of car cards and waybills for each train
includes cards for the locos. These cards specify the
maximum number of cars this loco can safely move up
the ruling 2.8% grade between Mill Bend and Oakhill.
This is often less, sometimes significantly so, than the
maximum train length given on the train sheet.
The train and yard crews are supposed to check the
motive power's pulling power to ensure their train hits
the grade with sufficient power. If there isn't enough get
up and go, a helper needs to be called.
Unfortunately the green crew of the Salem Hauler West
didn't notice their single cab forward wouldn't have the
oompf to get 26 cars up the grade without a helper.
22
23: The obvious solution was to run a helper up behind
the stalled SAHW, but the GN passenger extra "borrow-
ing" the BC&SJ tracks occupied the main in Mill Bend,
where the helper needed to run around the SAHW's
caboose. BC&SJ rules dictate no pushing on an occu-
pied car so the helper crew had to wait.
Jerry S. is running the throttle on the passenger train.
The two BLI E7A units on point are making their first
appearance in a BC&SJ op session. Once it scuttled
off down the Deschutes branch, the 2-10-2 helper
could go again.
The two boxcars to the right on the main are the rear of
the Salem Hauler West where it stalled on the grade.
23
index contents
MRH-Mar 2013