Helpers Part Four

 On AIR1 Helper operations were a central theme on that layout. I had a grade, 85’ long, that connected the two decks. It was long, relatively straight, and open the entire way. 

On AIR2 there will be two helixes (Heleces?). Helper engineers will not be able to stay with, or see their trains. The trains will be for the most part, concealed within the helix. I seriously considered adding helpers to the head end only, and consisting these two power sets as necessary. This necessitated the purchase of a new command control system, one that made consisting easier on the fly.

After some discussion recently I arrived at another conclusion, one that requires me to set a scenario.

Eastbound AIR trains depart Huntington, West Virginia, which is not part of the modeled portion of the layout, and make their way up river to Charleston, which is the western most portion of the modeled layout. At this point power and caboose are swapped. Charleston represents a division point, and is the beginning of the more mountainous part of the layout. Real railroads would have added more powerful motive power at this point anyway, so why not me?

My new plan is to have two unit power sets, either two powered units or one powered unit and a dummy, bring trains out of staging. At Littlerock yard power is changed out, the original two units are removed, adding three unit power sets. I believe three powered units will be enough to get trains over my layout. 

My helix’s (Helixes?) will be very easy grades, it’s beginning to look like they will be near to 1% than 3%.

In effect, the entire modeled portion of the layout will be a helper district. I’m not sure if the three units will ride with trains on into East staging or there will be another power change in Chatsworth. 

Coal trains out of Pettigrew Yard will get more powerful locomotive consists right out of the gate, the plan is to concentrate all my Steam in Pettigrew, so a significant number of the 2-8-8-2’s will be paired up. Eastbound coal trains will depart with two 2-8-8-2’s on the point. West-bounds will get one.

Some sort of “Rescue Helper” contingencies will have to be made, in case something gets stalled out up there. It may be that a helper set is stationed at the summit of each hill, something that can back down the hill and pull a stalled train up to the summit. We’ll have to see.

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