Denver's Ski Train Returns in 2017 (Winter Park)!

[Palmetto]

Over the radio, the crew kept calling their Zephyr "heavy."

In the aviation world "heavy" is a standard (but unsanctioned) term that is used in the US to draw attention to wing vortices and wake turbulence from nearby aircraft. Is there any actual relevance to using such a term in the rail transportation world or is it strictly a cutesy term for a slightly unusual event? Amtrak's heaviest passenger train would still be a lightweight compared to almost any freight train, but do really long and/or heavy freight trains warrant any special terminology during radio communications?

The term generally applies to slow acceleration. When a dispatcher hears that term, they know it will take extra time for the train to achieve track speed.

The term "dog" is used, and it's to refer to a train that is slow-moving and/or low priority. Loaded grain trains fit the bill.

 

[AG1]

Did you notice which unit(s) were providing HEP both up and back to DEN ? 406 or one of the P-42s ?

Would suspect that 406 would be used for HEP if one of the P-42s failed ?

The only problem with the whole line up is using DC traction motored P-42s. What if some weekend fine powder snow that can short DCs is forecast for the route ?

406 doesn't have an engine. Read post #81.

 

[west point]

406 doesn't have an engine. Read post #81.

No prime mover but it is equipped with a cummings HEP generator

 

[Thirdrail7]

Over the radio, the crew kept calling their Zephyr "heavy."

In the aviation world "heavy" is a standard (but unsanctioned) term that is used in the US to draw attention to wing vortices and wake turbulence from nearby aircraft. Is there any actual relevance to using such a term in the rail transportation world or is it strictly a cutesy term for a slightly unusual event? Amtrak's heaviest passenger train would still be a lightweight compared to almost any freight train, but do really long and/or heavy freight trains warrant any special terminology during radio communications?

The term generally applies to slow acceleration. When a dispatcher hears that term, they know it will take extra time for the train to achieve track speed.

The term "dog" is used, and it's to refer to a train that is slow-moving and/or low priority. Loaded grain trains fit the bill.

It depends on your regional slang. I've heard heavy, pig, dog, slug, sloth, slow boat and snail with regularity depending on the division.

 

[Agent]

For a non-train enthusiast perspective on the Winter Park Express, here's a video by the YouTube channel TravelingJules.