What is the recommended speed for departing from the roundhouse with a light locomotive consist if conditions permit?

The recommended speed for departing from the roundhouse with a light locomotive consist is between 1-3 MPH. This low speed is critical for several reasons, primarily focusing on safety and control.

When a locomotive is light, it has less mass and, therefore, less momentum, making it more susceptible to derailment or loss of control, especially on curves or switches. Departing at a slow speed allows the engineer to maintain better control of the locomotive and quickly react to any unexpected situations that may arise, such as an obstacle in the path or the need to stop for any reason.

Additionally, the reduced speed helps in the safe assessment of the locomotive's operational systems, ensuring all components are functioning correctly before gaining full speed. This practice also minimizes the impact on the tracks and adjacent structures, which could be more vulnerable when heavy loads or faster speeds are involved. Thus, adhering to the recommendation of 1-3 MPH is integral to maintaining a safe operating environment as the locomotive moves away from the roundhouse.