Cool shot Andrew. Been to Straburg countless times, and never saw helper service before. Nice catch.
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I have seen the helper engine used on Thomas weekends, but only down at Lehman Place. The 9-car, special event consist is too long to fit on the siding and fouls the switch at the west end. A helper is generally stationed there to pull the train further east after the primary loco has started its run-around....clearing the switch at the west end. Using that helper to actually push the consist back toward East Strasburg is definitely a rare event, however. This particular 9-car consist was even heavier than usual because the P&R President's Car was being used in place of the Marian (in the shop). I'm told that President's Car is 3x the weight of a regular coach. Must have been fun to watch....and listen to! :o)
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Nice catch Andrew, definitely not something you see every day on the Strasburg! Why they chose to use a helper engine is still a mystery to me though, #31 is more than capable of handling such a load on her own, and #89 could probably do it too. BUT it sure made for some unique photo opps!
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