Montana Rail Link Caboose Question

[digitaldave]

Hi all. I'm thinking about modelling some form of MRL layout, and whilst doing research I found the following quote on the  Wikipedia MRL page:

"Montana Rail Link still uses cabooses, which are used to carry remote control switching equipment on Laurel switch engines."

If anyone is familiar with MRL operations, can they explain what they mean by this? From what little I know about the MRL, I'd interpret this to mean that they are used only in Laurel, and not elsewhere. Is this actually the case? If it is the former, why would they need them in Laurel, and not elsewhere?

Many thanks,

Dave.

[ednadolski]

Perhaps MRL uses them in yards, but I have several MRL DVDs (I've never been there in person) and I don't recall seeing a caboose on anything.

Ed

[digitaldave]

Ed,

Thanks for that.

Dave

[ednadolski]

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[drgw12]

So yeah, in Laurel, they have several former BN cabeese that they installed the remote control hardware, air valves and computers. They have a small diesel generator to power everything. There is a full MU hose and cable hook up like a locomotive. They are numbered in the 1100 series. They are easy to spot because they have rv air-conditioners on the roof. The reason for this approach versus installing all this equipment in the nose of the locomotive like BNSF and others do is flexibility. If there is an issue with the locomotive, just uncouple it and couple up a different loco and off you go. Any loco can be a remotely controlled loco with this setup, from GP9 to SD70ACe, though usually is an SD40-2XR. Any other questions please feel free to ask!

[drgw12]

Oh forgot to mention, they also used these cabeese in Missoula as well. But with modern technology, MRL is starting to phase out the remote cabeese in favor of a suitcase sized remote interface that can be bungee corded on the front or rear platform with the MU cable and hoses hooked up and same result.

[nkalanaga]

It makes sense, but I wouldn't have thought of it. 

[digitaldave]

@ednadolski, @drgw12,

Thanks for the info and the links. Why am I not surprised hat there’s video of what I’m looking for on YouTube?! 

Regards,

Dave.