[Peter Libra]

I appreciate your carefully worded answer to my rhetorical question about only having one operative. Old fashioned ideas of mine I guess. Sort of like the idea of anyone having a buddy at hand. Must be awful damn lonely for the single engineer.

Still, modern times are here. (chuckle)

[Paladin2]

The MMA converted some cabooses to (only short distance local AFAIK) remote control devices so the lone crewman can drive the loco while doing the work of the brakeman in cutting cars in and out. This is what allowed them to go to a one man crew. Apparently Canada agreed.

Pic of MMA oil train with buffer car between locos and string of tanks and the RC caboose behind the lead loco.

No caboose.

See also: http://www.easternrailroadnews.com/2012/05/09/mma-prepares-for-daily-ops-in-canada-with-one-person-crews/