OK gang...just got my July 2014 issue of "Trains". Article by Jeff Schmid starting page 34 has a Paul Dalman photo of a westbound freight at Pacific, MO. Three locomotives - head two SD45's then a Frisco boxcar spliced between the 2nd and 3rd units. Anyone know why they would do this? Ted Ferkenhoff Flagstaff, AZ
Thing that comes to mind the quickest is "dead in tow". Basically the engine is "box cared" by setting up the MU2A valve to remain independent and in the RELEASED position, and the 24 or 26 series automatic valve is in the "Cut Out" position so the brakes on the engine cylinders are pressurized by air being set from the leading locomotive. If this was indeed the case, the unit was likely moving toward Springfield for significant repair(s).