Can a train be driven backwards from the caboose?

Question

Can a train be driven backwards from the caboose?

Answer 1

Cabooses are no longer used on 1st class freight trains here in the United States. Some of the  tourist rail lines still use them on their short runs.

Answer 2

I realise that this question is asked in a USA context, However, from a UK point of view the answer is a qualified 'yes'. Trains which still have a locomotive - increasingly rare - tend to have a 'Driving Van Trailer', the last car of the train, which has driving controls which are a duplicate of those in the loco's cab. This does away with the need either to tun the loco round the train  at the terminus, or to provide another loco to take it in the opposite direction. This DVT is effectively a 'caboose'  as it has no provision for passengers. For more information scroll down this page: http://www.o-keating.com/hsr/ic225.htm to the section on DVTs used with the Intercity or class 91 locomotives

Answer 3

yes and no

Of course the power comes from the locomotive.

All that can happen, and does frequently is the employee on the caboose can relay instructions via radio to the engineer what he requires. Faster, slower, etc.

Most special instructions require movement with a caboose on the "point" to be at a considerably slower speed than when operated in the normal manner.

The caboose is equipped with a wimpy air operated whistle and emergency brake valve.

This is mostly done on branch lines or local work service where long back-up moves are required.

Answer 4

Do you mean are there controls in the caboose?  No, but you can grab one of those locomotive remotes they use to move trains around the railyard, then you could drive a train from anywhere nearby...including from inside the caboose.  Those remotes are only supposed to be used in the railyards though.

Have you actually seen a caboose on the rails lately?  I think they pretty well stopped using them.

Answer 5

Since a train is on a track, there's no real "driving" or guiding it.  The power will still come from the engine and someone will still need to be there to manage the power, whether it's going backwards or forwards.

Answer 6

Niki is right.

Trains aren't "driven."  They are "run."  (USA)

Locomotives (engines) do the moving.  The engineer "runs" the engine.

Most commuter trains have the ability to be run from either end.  The end opposite the engine is the "coffin car."  It is so called because when being operated from this opposite end, there is no locomotive to absorb or dissipate the damage done in a grade crossing collision.  Many lost lives are the result, as a rule.

Just one more way "technology" works for us.

Answer 7

of course it can, they just push instead of pull

Answer 8

yes the crew would have radios for communication

Answer 9

No, you need cab controls to operate a train in either direction.

Some trains are designed with controls at both ends, but with a few exceptions, they are all passenger trains.

The train I "motor" can be reversed by putting up the trolley pole at the opposite end of the car, shutting off the airbrake and controller, removing the reverser key, and walking to the other end of the car.  Of course the opposite process has to be followed to engage controls in the direction the train will be going in, which includes remembering to pull down the trolley pole at what has become the front of the train.

Answer 10

nope, usually if u see a caboose in the US its b/c the conductor or brakeman has to be shoved in order to work certain industries, the caboose has a horn and a brake valve that can be opened if the train needs has to stop immediately, don't see very many now-a-days though

Answer 11

Trains are not "driven". They are moved by an Engine Car.. the engine car can push or pull the rest of the cars in any direction on the tracks. A caboose is not an Engine and there for cannot push or pull the train in any direction.