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AJ
Lv 4
AJ asked in Cars & TransportationRail · 10 years ago

Why do ethanol trains have a hopper or two in the front?

I've noticed that on a lot of ethanol trains, there are always one or a few sealed hoppers, then the ethanol tankers. What's up with that? I've seen that especially on UP. Is it just a coincidence? Or is there a reason?

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  • Anonymous
    10 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    To provide separation of the hazardous material from the occupied locomoitve.

    Any car that is not carrying hazardous materials will work, we call them a buffer car.

    Source(s): RR engineer
  • dieterzakas
    Lv 6
    10 years ago

    Because ethanol is a hazardous material (hazmat), regulations require separation from the locomotives in the form of a "cover car." It can also be a boxcar.

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