Unit trains made up entirely of coal gondolas must be arranged with all of their rotary coupler ends facing the same direction for delivery to a rotary dumper. The rotary coupler ends are generally facing forward and coupled to the locomotive on loaded trains. In this manner, everything remains coupled and the dumping rotation occurs with the couplers aligned at the pivot point. Every pair of couplers must include a rotary coupler to pass through the dumper. If a car is reversed, two normal couplers will be together and the rotation will damage both cars. Even so, most of today's rotary car dumpers are sized to empty two cars at a time. Occasionally, a unit train car must be set out for repairs. It'll normally be picked up on the return trip of the car's original consist to maintain the proper car count. Since these trains often pass through a reverse loop at the dumper or the mine, occasionally cars end up facing the wrong way. However, the conductor delivering the loaded train is responsible for making sure all of its cars are oriented properly. Any odd ones are usually turned on a wye before the train leaves the yard.
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