Why are there engines from multiple railroads pulling the same train?

Question

Why are there engines from multiple railroads pulling the same train?

Answer 1

Different railroads often pool their motive power on run-through trains to save time.

For instance, a train carrying FedEx trailer trucks loaded with packages from LA going to New York might pass through routes owned by Union Pacific and CSX.  So both railroads will put their engines on the train and run it through both territories, so they don't have to stop the train and change engines (saves time).

Sometimes a railroad might owe another railroad mileage on a borrowed engine, so they might loan an engine back to make up for the mileage debt.

Then there are the leased engines as the above posters mentioned.

I think it's cool seeing all sorts of different engines and rolling stock on a train.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Some engines are leased. Some just haven't been repainted.

Answer 3

Good answers, RR companies dont necessarily like changing power, as pointed out it wastes time and money. they frequently have a "power pool". RR company A tells company B that they can use their locomotives for so many KWH and they can use ours for the same amount. Every 30 days they total up the usage and adjust the formulas as necessary.

Locos have the same type of MU (multiple unit) controls so even though they are equipped with different options they can operate with each other.

Answer 4

One isn't enough. Too much weight.

Answer 5

With a lot a RR companys merging you get a lot of different company logos,cheaper then buying new locomotives hey

Answer 6

lease agreements an effifiency

Answer 7

Railroads often lease engines from other railroads. The first engine will nearly always be from the railroad whose train it is.