RailRoadFan.com

After chasing the NB run of Z151 numerous times, I've noticed that there isn't a conductor in the cab until Turner Street, where the conductor is waiting in a MQT pickup truck waiting for the train. Once the train gets there, the conductor gets on and heads north. Does anyone know why they do that? Don't they need a conductor to throw switches and switch cars in Wyoming?

The conductor drives down to Wyoming ahead of Z151 and lines the train in so it doesn’t have to stop. They can also easily drive to the rear of the train they’re picking up to arm the EOT, so the they can blast off and not have to wait for a ride to the head end or walk to the front. IIRC sometimes the conductor is never on the train at all from Sparta to Wyoming and back depending on crew preferences. Lots of other G&W properties do the same thing.