Motive Power Needed For Loaded Cement Train

[FHRob]

Here's the information on a Soldier Summit workshop scenario:

Helper to Soldier Summit, which is uphill with 2.3% gradient at various spots.

Two ES44ACs' and a SD70M up front, with an ES44AC pushing on the rear.

93 Kuju Cement Hoppers. I changed the mass on these from 27.4 to 90, so the cars are loaded.

Is the motive power realistic for such a train? So far, I'm going up the hill at about 10 mph.

Thanks,

Rob

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

HP/ton is the factor here.

Generally, cement, rock, grain and other low value bulk commodities were considered 'dog trains' and received just enough HP to get them over the mountain.
Your train is about 9000 tons gross weight, and still relatively high powered with about 16000 horses. 1,7 HP/ton should be enough for that slow speed.
Due to coupler strength limits, you cannot usually run more than 3 ES44 units or equivalent at the head end. Any more units will have to be de-rated. Adding a pusher is fine, or when still more HP/ton is needed, a few DPU's down 2/3 of the train.

Have you searched the net for any Employee Time Tables or System Special Instructions? In these documents you'll find any railroad rules and limitiations pertaining to grade, tonnage, horsepower and most importantly (dynamic) braking. What goes up must come down the other side of the mountain, and railroads were more concerned about braking down grades >2%. A sufficient number jof working dynamic braking axles is needed, otherwise retainers will have to be used.