Steam Doubleheaders

[NW Mailing List]

Thank you Roger (and Jim),

That makes complete sense. I don't know why I didn't think about whistle
signals. I also suspect that very experienced engineers would have a "feel"
for the train and know what was required.

Tom Fulton

On Wed, Feb 3, 2021 at 2:55 PM NW Mailing List via NW-Mailing-List <
nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org> wrote:

> Tom,
>
> The crews knew the railroad and what would be required at all times to
> control trains both up and down grades allowing for curves, weather or any
> restrictions. No, there was no direct communication between engines and
> everything relied on experience and skill. The rule book governed many
> things such as speeds at certain locations or other special situations and
> crews were obligated to follow the rules. Whistle signals were the main
> source of communication but they were just basically used when starting and
> a few other instances.
>
> Roger Huber
> Deer Creek Locomotive Works
>
>
> On Wednesday, February 3, 2021, 06:57:44 AM CST, NW Mailing List <
> nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org> wrote:
>
>
> I have a question about when steam engines pulled trains in tandem (if
> that's the right term for it.) I assume that today's locomotives are
> connected electronically which allows the power output to be balanced. But
> there was no such connection during the steam era. (I think.) And clearly
> each locomotive required an engineer and a fireman. So did the engineers
> communicate in some manner to balance the power? Would they set up a system
> of ropes and bells perhaps? Hand signals? Early radios? Or did the
> engineers just set a plan in place before they started the trip?
>
> Thanks,
> Tom Fulton
> Asheville, NC
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