(erielack) On the Fly

[ShepRail_@_aol.com]

With all this discussion about signal indications around Mountain View and 
East Lincoln Park,
I cannot help but remember how two old Erie hands once handled a situation 
when an 
eastbound freight showed up with a train that might bog down on Great Notch 
grade. 
In this situation, Hoboken East End Train Dispatcher (Cliff Beckwith) told GL 
Haul Conductor 
(Charlie Murganz) to follow right behind the freight from Mountain View with 
a lite engine 
and to provide assistance, if necessary. When the conductor asked whether 
they should 
couple up and shove the freight over Great Notch, I recall the dispatcher 
saying, "Charlie, 
I don't want that train to stop", thereby setting the stage for some drama 
around Singac. 

With no further discussion, the GL Haul moved into position behind the 
freight train 
immediately after its caboose cleared Mountain View Interlocking and the 
equilateral turnout 
was thrown (no waiting for signals to clear). Fast forward five miles to 
Great Notch about 
10 minutes later and the head-end of the eastbound freight was observed 
passing by the 
depot there with the GL Haul tied on behind, pushing hard. After the head-end 
crested the 
grade around Montclair Heights, the GL Haul cut away on the the fly, leaving 
the freight 
to continue its trip to tidewater without delay. The GL Haul engine then 
drifted back down 
to Great Notch and completed the rest of its chores for the day. 

And that's the way it was   ...

                                                                              
                 Bill
   


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