Swing helpers on the few-remaining coal trains on the Moffat, such as the ones seen here, are the only thing keeping hostlers on duty at North Yard for UP. Hostlers move power around the yard as needed, whether it be to set up power for a train or cutting out swing helpers from a coal train. In many other places on UP's system, hostlers have been eliminated and the trains crew has moved their own power. However, UP does not want the crew on the head end of the coal train to have to cut out mid-train swing helpers. So for now, the hostlers look to be safe. However, they have been reduced by over 50% at North Yard as a result of the downturn in coal traffic.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster.
