Double Engine: In a double engine train, do loco pilots sit in both? – in trains running on two engines, how is the operation of the second engine controlled by the first engine
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how many drivers are there
Some people ask the question that in a train with a double engine or locomotive, drivers sit in both the locos? Let me tell you that the drivers sit in the same engine of a train running with two engines. The driver cab of that engine is a Loco Pilot and the other is an Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP). Here another question arises, in which engines do the drivers sit? It is obvious that the driver will sit in the engine which will be in front. Sitting in the same engine, the driver also controls the other engine. Along with this, the control of the entire train also remains in his hands.
When did the double engine start
In India, the double engine started from the time of the steam engine itself. Trains were smaller in the 1950s and 1960s. Most of the trains were of five or six coaches. Some trains also had nine or more coaches. Double engines were installed only in such trains. Actually, in those days our steam engines were of 1250 horse power. That’s why two engines were added in long trains. Similarly, two engines were also installed in long goods trains.
Diesel engine also required
When diesel engines initially came to India, their capacity was around 2000 horse power. That’s why there was no need to install two steam engines. But later the trains got longer. Some trains became 18 coaches. Similar trains were fitted with two diesel engines. Similar trains were Patna Rajdhani and Poorva Express via Patna. On leaving Delhi, two diesel-powered engines were added to these trains by disconnecting the electric engine at the then Mughalsarai Junction.
Electric engine does not require?
The power of the electric engine is considerable. Presently 5000 to 12000 horse power electric locomotives are running. That’s why there is no need to install two engines in them. But still there is a need to install double engine in ghat section or goods trains. So that the carrying capacity can be increased without reducing the existing coaches.
Such engines are called multiple units
Since the advent of electronic equipment in locomotives, engineers began to experiment with “multiple unit” operation, or MU for short. The MU gave the liberty to combine locomotives (diesel and electric) of the same model of locomotive. Double, triple or up to 4 engines are allowed to be added to a train. The Python train that just started had four engines.
Drivers sit in the master loco
The leading engine of a multiple unit train is called the master locomotive. The locomotive behind it is called the slave loco. The train driver or loco pilot sits in the master loco. No driver sits in a slave engine. They are controlled by the front engine or master loco.
How to control slave loco
The master and slave locomotives are connected through a cable. This cable is called BCD jumpers. These carry the electrical signals required to transfer operation commands from master to slave locos. These cables are also called MU cables. As far as braking is concerned, the slave loco is also connected to the master loco through brake pipe. The inbuilt computer in the locomotive receives the signal from the master locomotive and accordingly increases/decreases the throttle. Changes tap in transformer or applies brake to slave loco. The transfer of command is instantaneous and there is no delay.
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