Re: (erielack) Transfer Cabooses and Locomotives (long)

[Smtimko_@_aol.com]

For what it's worth.....................

In the mid-60's the EL was using Lima switchers, both YD SW-1000 and YD SW 
1200 for hot metal service as well as BLW/BLH 1000 and 1200 HP Switchers.  
Loaded Hot Metal cars were restricted to 20 MPH between Youngstown and 
Sharpsville/Hubbard/Warren---the three destinations.  Some bridges had 10 MPH 
on them due to the weight of the cars.  The HM cars were friction bearing and 
when loaded were very hard to move.  A typicl HM train on two or three 
bottles, 6 or 8 idlers and a caboose usually had the engine running in #8 
throttle for the entire trip just to keep 15-18 MPH.  There were not many 
engine failures on HM trains......these units could really pull for long 
periods.  Later, the Warren HM trains started using Alco RS-2/RS-3 power, and 
later C-424's.

Dynamic Brakes were not needed on HM trains or transfer runs in the 
Youngstown area.

SMT

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