DPU -- "distributed" power. The mid-train engines (sometimes also on the rear) are all controlled from the head end.
Never ran one of these myself, my time in freight came and went before these "doubled up" trains came into fashion (at least with management).
The idea here is to reduce crew sizes by running two and three-mile-long trains.
I reckon the guy running this is pretty much on the edge of the seat all the time -- there's no way to relax with that much weight behind.
There was a time when "the railroad life" was pretty good on the big freight roads. That time is no more. This crew may have to sit in an away-from-home motel for 24 hours, waiting for their return job. And then when they get back to their home terminal, they'll be called out again in 8, 10, 12 hours. Almost no time at home, and take more than a few days off for the year, and the company's coming after you.
These days, the short lines and regionals are the best place to work.
The pay's lower, but the life is better...
