NS RP Units

[Brakie]

Ok...I thought I was confused before...but now I'm sure.

First off, I see now that a slug unit has no prime mover...no diesel motor...can't produce power by itself, but has the generators to drive the wheel sets with the power coming from another unit. So in this case (and I know this is speculation since we don't exactly know what type of configuration NS operates these particular engines in) NS is using these 700 series units paired with a powered engine to provide more tractive effort at low speeds. So if my understanding is correct, NS benefits by being able to pull a slightly heavier train in and around switching/yard operations (and possibly very local freight runs) with less overall fuel used. Is this right?

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Herc,That is correct..

The reason the slugs have cabs is the engineer can control both units from the cab of the slug..Therefore no turning of the locomotive consist is needed.

Here we see a CSX road slug(RDMT) as a trailing unit on a CSX local through Marion.



2 hours later we see the same slug as lead unit-no turning of the locomotive consist was needed.