03-25-2023, 09:12 PM
(03-25-2023, 03:09 PM)danbrotherston Wrote:(03-25-2023, 03:05 PM)ijmorlan Wrote: Plugging in power cords is difficult! Personally, I usually eat dinner cold — much easier than plugging in the microwave!
OK, I’m sure there is more involved with plugging in a train, but still.
I am completely speculating here, but I don't think it's the "plugging in" that's hard, but the startup in the morning. The locos probably have to be warmed up for a long time in the morning, and if they are left idling the train crews don't have to get up as early in the morning to get things started.
But there's no excuse, they shouldn't be left idling.
You’re probably right. But that being said, it’s still not a reason. In the present era, the proper way for this to work is that the yard system knows when the locomotive is required and automatically starts the warm-up process at the appropriate time. Any task that just involves flipping a few switches on a schedule should not require people. If there is a more involved checklist required, that can be done closer to the locomotive entering service.
Also, depending on what is meant by “warming up”, that can be done by electrical power supplied by the cable. Even road vehicles have this in cold climates in the form of block heaters.