Layout Operations: Manned Helpers - Part 2
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- Опубликовано: 1 июл 2024
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Layout Operations: Coal Train • Layout Operations: Coa...
Layout Operations: Manned Helpers Part 1 • Layout Operations: Man...
On my layout, I only model the western slope of Marias Pass between Whitefish and Marias summit. While the western slope features relatively tight curves and steep gradients above 1.8% on the prototype, the eastern slope is not necessarily a breeze for heavy westbound trains. With long grades above 1%, the Essex helper set is occasionally sent up and over the pass to push on the rear of westbound trains.
On my layout, I run two unit trains that are most common for this line - being grain and oil - with 2 or 3 locomotives in the eastbound (EB) direction. When the oil train, for example, departs Whitefish and climbs the grade EB, it represents an empty and very light train. In the EB direction, 2 locomotives is enough of power to lift an empty tanker on my layout and the prototype alike. But when the train reaches the summit of Marias Pass on my layout, it enters a reverse loop before turning into its heavier loaded westbound (WB) counterpart.
While I don’t model the eastern slope of Marias Pass, it’s still implied that these WB trains originated off-layout and just came up the grade from the eastern side of the pass. Two locomotives would be not enough to drag more than 14,000 tons up the side of the pass that I don’t model, so to simulate the amount of power required to climb the grade WB, as well as to meet rated dynamic brake axle requirements outlined in the Hi Line Subdivision timetable, I’ve incorporated the helper job into unit train operations by adding the helpers to the rear of loaded WB unit trains such as the oil tanker highlighted in today’s video. In real life, the extra power and braking for WB trains is handled by unmanned distributed power (DPUs), but it’s much more fun using the helpers. Plus, the helpers are sent over the pass to occasionally help WB trains on the prototype.
While adding the helpers would all happen off-layout to the east, it’s implied that the helper set is sent over the pass towards Browning or beyond and tacked onto the rear of the train. On my layout, because there is no mainline east of Marias, the helpers are called up to the reverse loop after the oil train arrives and added to the train at Marias. And if you’re wondering why the locomotives no longer have HelperLink details, realize that these clips were shot before I added those details that were featured in the previous operation video.
Enjoy!
-Cam 
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Babe wake up, railfan220 just uploaded a new layout operations video!
It would be cool to have a small crew building at the helper spur for the crew to hang out in while they wait for their next job. 😁
The real deal. Very cool.
Fantastic!
Very cool operations.👍
Outstanding video(s). These are no joke! Congratulations on such an impressive layout!
a great video again
This is very enjoyable to watch. It is amazing the amount of work, detail, and operations that you have built into this layout and youtube. Thanks
You have a lot of operational activity on your layout. I really like how you provide the track plan, give the viewer some context of the layout. Question, can you give room dimensions ? Just how big is this layout?
hello Railfan220 & it's is Randy and i like yours video is cool Thanks Railfan220 Friends Randy
Excellent share with both operations videos. How did you uncouple the helpers ? Looked realistic fantastic layout as well enjoy 😎🚂
Both video's were excellent. NBSR on occasion uses manned helpers. sometimes they cut on fly or continue to yard and return with a train.
I noticed the “Buffer Service Only” on the boxcar before the helper power when they hooked up. Did you purchase this car already labeled or did you have to kit bash? Is this practice common for all railroads (e.g., a regulation)? Do you know how long ago this practice started? Although our hills/mountains are much smaller on the East coast, the Western Maryland (now CSX, originally steam, now diesel) employed helper service from Williamsport to Hagerstown because of the grade.
I'm commenting before watching the video, but I'm guessing you need helpers for going down hill for extra dynamic braking. That's the only thing I could imagine you would need helpers for going down hill.
Ops, as soon as you turn that camera on things happen just like that locomotive coming uncoupled. Ugh.
Haven’t seen a video for a few months, everything ok?
Hiii