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When I started driving in the late 90's, DRS seemed to be the only FOC running 20s regularly on the mainline.
GBRF and others seem to have jumped onto the bandwagon since.
Speaking to some of the DRS guys, my understanding is that it's always been their SOP to have 2 class 20s (and a 2nd driver or trainman on the trailing loco) when they're used on their power station diagrams. This is also the case when using other types of locos in the consists.
Since 20s have long noses it makes operational sense to have a pair so they can run cab-first, American style.
Reliability is the issue here rather than than tractive effort - a flask train is only a few hundred tonnes but there would be a hell of a 'kerfuffle' if one ever broke down and needed assistance.
BW
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