An eastbound (loaded) unit oil train progresses east through Little Ten Curve at Rocky. The back of the train is headed north (geographically) while the front is headed east. Note the buffer car (a covered hopper) located behind the power.
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Posted By Webmaster On Wednesday, January 21, 2015 At 10:04:33 AM (PT)
Hi Kent!
Great question. Buffer cars, as far as I know, are generally empty. They are placed for the protection of the crew as well as the loads. In the event of a derailment, it adds some distance between the crew and the oil (in this case). Perhaps more important, it provides some space between the oil and a potential fire on the locomotives.
Posted By Kent Smiley On Saturday, January 17, 2015 At 10:25:35 AM (PT)
Kevin,
Nice shot.
The buffer cars, common on tank/oil trains today. Are these just empty hoppers or filled with some retardant?
Just curious.
Thanks
Kent
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