Method for controlling the level of tractive efforts in a
train having a first locomotive at a head end of the
train, constituting a lead locomotive, and a second locomotive positioned in the
train behind the lead locomotive, constituting a remote locomotive, with the remote locomotive being configured to selectively operate in either of two
modes of operation, such as a first mode in which the locomotive operates at a full
tractive effort level of operation and a second mode in which the locomotive operates in a partial
tractive effort level of operation producing a
tractive effort which is less than the full tractive effort of the locomotive. The method allows selecting (e.g., at the lead locomotive) one of the two
modes of operation for producing a level of tractive effort appropriate for conditions as the train moves along a length of track. The method further allows transmitting a
signal indicative of the selected mode of operation from the lead locomotive to the remote locomotive. The
signal is received at the remote locomotive. The tractive effort generated at the remote locomotive is controlled so as
not to exceed the selected level.