When starting a heavy train, why will train engineers sometimes back up, stop, and then proceed forward? (This technique is called "bunching slack.")

Question

Physics

Quinten Cruz

21 April, 06:19

When starting a heavy train, why will train engineers sometimes back up, stop, and then proceed forward? (This technique is called "bunching slack.")

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Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Alfredo Underwood · Answer 1

It is kind of in the name. it brings the cars closer together then continues to go forward.

Mathew Armstrong · Answer 2

Maybe ...

when going in reverse it makes a tiny gap between each boxcar, then when going forward it pushes or pulls each car one at a time to build momentum rather than moving them all at once ... not sure