Mon Valley coal train helpers

[steveiez]

            Today around noon a loaded west bound Mon Valley coal train came thru Pittsburgh with two helpers on the back. Though not totally unusual for helpers to be on a train, it was the first time I have seen a coal train get pushed. I know beyond Conway some are used to get them over some humps out near the Ohio line.

[rhotond]

I doubt that this was a mon valley coal train.  It was probably one from Cormans lines or the South fork.  Since the Conemaugh is primarily 1 way east bound,  they need a helper coming east on the main line.  Some times they go southside and sometimes they go through penn station (helper off here)  If the helper was on coming from the south side, he was probably going to conway for work.

r