Great train gaffe?

[carolynwhite2]

--- In the_old_crowd at yahoogroups.com, Mary Ann Jennings 
<macloudt at ...> wrote:
>
> Catlady wrote:
> 
> "This configuration means that the locomotive never needs to be
> uncoupled from the train, and ensures fast turnaround times at a
> railway station terminus."<<<
> 
> My trainspotter husband informs me that push-pull trains were used 
on small branch lines in the UK where there were no turntables or 
reversing loops.  Long-range trains with multiple coaches never had 
the push-pull configuration because push-pull trains couldn't reach 
high speeds as derailment was a constant danger for tender engines 
travelling in reverse.  It's not just steam engines; diesel engines 
(and I can name a-plenty!) working fast, long-range trains also never 
ran in reverse in such a manner.  It was the introduction of HSTs 
(High Speed Trains) in the 1970s that eliminated the need for engines 
to run 'round trains in the UK as these trains have engines at both 
ends.

Carolyn:
Oh, I totally love these debates!

Mary Ann, welcome, I don't think I have seen your posts before. Ok, 
Yankies she's right. Our dear beloved JKR clearly gave no thought to 
this matter (not for the first time). In PS, Harry clearly trudges 
his way down the platform for his first journey on the Hogwart's 
Express. He finds an empty carriage and there is absolutely no 
mention that the carriage is just behind the engine that is about to 
pull the train out of the station. In fact, the reverse is implied. 
Here is the great HP, forced to find a seat at the 'back' of the 
train because he knows no one.. (sob, sob).

If any of you have visited London-town and travelled from any of our 
major train terminals you will understand the easy mistake that JKR 
made. As Mary Ann says, there are boring old engines both ends of the 
train on modern trains which sort the problem. However, the Hogwarts 
Express is clearly a different beastie... and it did need to be on 
the opposite end of the platform from where the students enter.. ha 
ha!

> 
> Mary Ann, who doesn't make fun of her husband's diesel train 
obsession because she has several closets full of knitting yarn.  Tit 
for tat, and all that.
>

Hey, I really like this domestic trade off!

Carolyn 
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