Distributed power units let the engineer in the lead locomotive control remote locomotives deeper in the train, spreading pulling and braking force along its length. That cuts drawbar forces, lets brake applications and releases start from more than one point, and makes trains of 12,000 feet and longer practical. Crews say they have a DP or a remote on the rear, and losing radio communication with it in tunnels and deep cuts is a regular headache.
We've got two on the point and a DPU on the rear, and we lost comm with it again in the tunnel.
Also heard as
- DP
- distributed power
- remote
Related terms
Power
The locomotives assigned to a train, or locomotives in general.
Consist
The makeup of a train, listing its locomotives and cars in order with weights, loads and hazmat.
Slack
The free play in couplers and draft gear that lets cars move a little toward or away from each other.
Unit train
A train carrying a single commodity in identical cars from one origin to one destination.