Crude Oil Trains

Just a question. I've seen many pictures of the crude oil trains... http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPi ... id=3512630" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Why do they all have a freight car ( boxcar, covered hopper) between the diesels and the train? I'm guessing they're buffer cars but I'm wondering why they're needed?

Boom!

Every unit ethanol train also has a buffer car.

Usually it's a boxcar or covered hopper. I have however seen an occasional tank car prominently marked "WATER" used as a buffer.

...FB

LocoCam wrote:Boom!

If they are there for 'boom' purposes, in the event of a derailment or wreck how does only 1 car between the diesels and a entire train of loaded tank cars full of oil or ethnol prevent 'boom'?

tj48 wrote:

LocoCam wrote:Boom!

If they are there for 'boom' purposes, in the event of a derailment or wreck how does only 1 car between the diesels and a entire train of loaded tank cars full of oil or ethnol prevent 'boom'?

I'll gladly take the extra 80' away from the rear unit to help keep spills from the power & get me that much further from fumes, 2 cars for buffer are starting to be more common.

How about the 5 buffers required "train length permitting?"

buffers are required by law, is why you see them. should be 5, but as spike mentions, you use what you have. since they use only 2, one goes on each end. i spent the first half of this year, running them, in dp service. good times.