I've noticed that the recent ferry moves with 630 - to and from Bristol - were behind diesel power. Is this going to become standard practice for ferry moves with the 630 and soon, 4501? I have time off from work in May when 630's ferry move should take place from Chattanooga to Cincinnati and I hate to travel that far to see it towed by diesels. Thanks in advance!

Roger Holmes

I have been told that there is the 40mph speed limit for steam leading,but with diesels in front the train can run track speed. NS dispatchers don't want the steam special plugging up their railroad if possible,especially if not carying passengers. One of the reasons NS put out for canceling the program in 1994 was that business had increased and the steam trains conflicted with their freight movement. Also I have heard that NS is considering raising the 40mph limit.

If the steam engine is in the consist and moving in its forward direction then the limit is 40MPH. Moving in reverse is considerably less. Doesn't matter if the diesels are leading or not. The only way you go any faster is if there is no tea kettle at all. The only advantage to tucking it in behind the diesels is it lets you move the train with just one NS crew instead of two. Which with carloadings up considerably right now, conserving crews is desirable. And for the most part 40MPH doesn't cause anywhere near the congestion you might think -- its not radically different than what a typical manifest freight is going to do, and if anything the Steam trips operate at a more consistent speed.

ETA

I hope that speed limited is raised. 611 at 40 mph would just be a shame.