Don't Know How To Slow Trains On Sherman Hill

Oh yeah \o/

Eastbound services with HPPT <2 are really really cool and challenging. I hope Matt will choose something like that for the presentation.

 

Note they slow to all of 8mph over the crest. (Note also that Southern was using a bespoke DPU setup long before GE or EMD included it)

 

They charged the brake to 100 psi? I thought the rulebook for freight trains generally charge the system to 90 psi to provide smooth and gentle braking.

 

Yes, but on a brutal descent like Saluda they wanted the extra capacity.

 

One other interesting thing about Saluda is that there was a runaway train diversion. When you reached the start of the downhill grade, a spring switch at the bottom would be set for the diversion. It was on a timer such that if you arrived at the switch too soon, you were diverted into a sand pit. If you were able to adhere to the speed limit, the switch timer would set it for the main.

 

Kicking horse pass would be absolutely amazing! Calgary-Field for proper division points but anywhere just east of the Rockies - Field would be super impressive.