Who decides?

Even older tom · Who decides?

Have a look at this short vid. It shows 2 locos backing up to collect the rolling stock with Lancashire Fusilier doing all the work and 76079 just idling.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pZdNNmAl44

My two part question is:

What were the rules (if any) that decide which engine in a double header is the 'leader' and how did the crews communicate?

poliss

Oh yes. They had RULES, (always in capitals).
Here's the manual.
Diesel, Electric and Steam Locomotives Assistance
(Double Heading)
and
Assistance in Rear.
http://www.locodocs.co.uk/brmanuals/btcdoubleheadingandassisting.htm

Even older tom

Very interesting reading Pol, but that looks fairly recent as it's mainly to do with diesel and electric.

Any older stuff you can dig out?