Another answer to the question of Taming Helper is the method I have used over the past 25 or so years running helpers on long trains.  I belonged to a club that was large enough that I was able to operation on a regular basis a train 100 Athearn 57’ reefers over a 2.5% grade.  I powered this train with four locomotive, three up front and on behind the caboose.  From front to back they ran the fastest to the slowest.   The three lead units were modified Athearns (2 SD 45’s and 1 U33C) and the helper was a rebuilt Alco models SD45-T-2.  All four units were equipped with can motors and nickel silver wheels.

Before I ever attempted to operate this train I ran a simple speed test.  This speed test will determine the order of the units and the direction they will operate in.  The test will be a controlled test to determine you’re running order.  For this test you will either need a set of parallel tracks or a single track that is long enough and straight enough to hold the units you want to test. 

On a single track you space the units an equal distance apart and advance the throttle slowly to your operating speed.  During this acceleration you will need to keep an eye on the units to see which one is the fastest then the next fastest and so on and so forth.  Try turning around some of the units to see if running backwards improves or diminishes their performance. Once you determine your consist order couple the lead units together then run them light and look at the action of the couplers between the units, is there a lot of movement?  If you have the order correct you should see very little movement of the couplers between the units. 

You can do the test on a DCC layout by consisting all the units together and then follow the test steps.   My one question is what type of cars are you using?  This will go a long way on where you place the helper unit.  If you have a lot of light weight cars you might want to cut the helper in at the mid or ¾ point of the train, this will help cut down on the cart popping out of the train around curves.

Hope this helps

Andy Hauser

     Wanted to add some prototype modelers/operators' perspective concerning the challenge of successfully and realistically operating helper ('pusher' in my Appalachian parlance!) units on one's layout.  Great thoughts from MRH, but I'd like to qualify the requirement for "talking back and forth" and "constant communication."  Someday, in the "thick of battle" in the middle of an op session, the last thing I'd like to hear above finely-tuned Tsunami decoders, installed ambient sound generators, and prototypical radio chatter is "constant communication," either on the radio or yelling 30 feet up the 40 car train to "give me a little."  Realizing that train physics are quite different than the prototype in 1:87, "qualification" on the layout's territory, a proper "job briefing" if necessary, and understanding of slack action as described in the editorial, can allow very realistic helper unit "hogging" without the all-too-constant chatter in the layout room that can easily detract from the immersive railroading experience many of us are trying to create.  With emphasis of slack awareness, which is our biggest tool in realistic helper operations, handicapping the many other things we're missing from the difference in physics involved. 

     There's of course a great balance in the camaraderie and sharing of our hobby with friends during an op session, but at times, I do think this can go a little overboard as someone's really into the moment of switching out their favorite industry and all they can process is the dude across the aisle's non-stop rambling about the newest Genesis locomotive or how he's rebuilding the yard on his layout.  Really great communication between the head end and pusher?  "CSX V303, engine 8012, has a Medium Clear signal, south end of Elkhorn, over."  "Clear, pusher out!".....and the other necessary stuff you hear on the radio when trackside, such as unplanned speed changes or other deviations from normal or the job briefing.  Otherwise, keep the up-aisle chatter to a minimum and enjoy imagining the smell of exhaust and too-hot traction motors! 

Brian Bennett

Northwood, NH

Mid-train helpers which are directly controlled by the engineer are a different subject, and best handled as described above, with careful speed matching and/or locomotive selection.  However, there's a different (and in my opinion, easier and more prototypical) option for manned helpers.  The engineer on the helper should shove only just enough to keep the train moving.  Derailments tend to be a result of putting too much power on the helper, and therefore shoving the slack in until the helpers are pushing the head end units.  Ideally the slack should be in for only about the rear half of the train or less.

With the train stalled, the head end should apply power just until the wheels begin slipping.  The helper should then apply power until the train begins to move.  The engineer on the head should control the speed, applying or reducing power as needed.  The helper engineer should remain with his engines and pay close attention to the slack.  If the couplers are being shoved to the side, then he should back off until the train can no longer maintain the speed.  Also, it helps to be familiar with the layout.  Once the train has begun cresting the grade, the helper should reduce power, and ideally should let the head end take over completely once half the train is over the hill.  Since our model locomotives are unable to free-wheel like the prototype, it is important to pay close attention to the slack and keep pushing just enough to prevent creating drag.

In other words, the helper needs to be properly trained, as it's not a simple matter of "shove as hard as you can."  Also, unless the train needs to slow down or stop while being shoved, there shouldn't be a need for much communication between the two engineers.

Ken, 

 I agree and where my comment is for a single operator you cover the other side of the coin.  When using two engineers only the most experienced engineer should control the helpers.

Andrew Hauser

Illinois Division of the SSW

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