Work Train

[CRail]

I was just wondering if the caboose on the work train is used as a cab car.

[octr202]

Yes and no. I've seen it leading several times on the Fitchburg. However, I doubt that it has controls...I would guess its just like a "shoving platform" that some of the class 1's use -- lights, horn, emergency brake valve, but not a control stand.

[jwhite07]

It can't be used as a control car because the MBTA's MW car fleet does not have pass-through MU cables. So it is just a "shoving platform", although a rather nice one... the regular work train crew takes very good care of it!

[octr202]

I thought of that after I posted -- of course it couldn't be a control car without wiring the work cars with MU Cables, which wouldn't be very practical. I can say that they don't have any qualms though about pushing with it in the lead at decent speeds (at least 40 MPH I would estimate).

[CSX Conductor]

octr, I doubt they shove it at 40 MPH.....if they do, they are in trouble.....NORAC rules restrict shoving movements to 30MPH max.

[octr202]

Well, it was hardly a scientific measurement. It was at Hastings in Weston, I was in my car at the grade crossign when they came through shoving eastbound with either the 902 or 904 on the west end. This was also a couple years ago...but they were moving pretty good...