[ARC5] Locomotives

[Michael A. Bittner]

Totally off topic:  I see that in many of the steam locomotive videos, they lug along one or two diesel-electric locomotives with them.  As stated in one of the videos, this is to provide electric power to passenger cars and provide dynamic braking on down-hill runs.  Not stated is the obvious fact that the diesel-electrics can keep things moving if these ancient, restored steam locos have problems. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xszdK0OMgnM

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: D C _Mac_ Macdonald 
  To: Robert Eleazer ; ARC-5 Mail List 
  Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 7:46 PM
  Subject: Re: [ARC5] Locomotives



  Added weight on the rails for any locomotive means 
  that heavier train weights can be moved.  Friction 
  coefficient of steel wheels on steel rails has been 
  stated as .25.  This means that the maximum weight 
  that can be moved (including locomotive weight) on 
  level, clean track is 25% of the weight of the loco.
   
  * * * * * * * * * * * 
  * 73 - Mac, K2GKK/5 * 
  * (Since 30 Nov 53) * 
  * k2gkk at hotmail.com * 
  * Oklahoma City, OK * 
  * USAF & FAA (Ret.) * 
  * * * * * * * * * * * 
   
   
   

   

  > From: releazer at earthlink.net
  > To: arc5 at mailman.qth.net
  > Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2012 19:04:55 -0500
  > Subject: [ARC5] Locomotives
  > 
  > Read a few years ago that they are building "hybrid" locomotives, hybrid in the same sense that a Prius is hybrid.
  > 
  > They replace switching engines in the yards and in fact use the running gear and frame from the old switch engines. They use a whole bunch of batteries and a diesel engine such as would come in a large pickup truck. The engine keeps the batteries charged, only starting when required. The batteries run the locomotive. A disadvantage of conventional diesel electric locomotives for switch engines is that they don't have to move long distances but have to run pretty much all day and night so to be handy as required. The hybrid locomotive's engine only has to run as needed and I guess this not only reduces fuel costs but helps satisfy local air pollution requirements. The hybrids actually weigh more than conventional diesel electric locomotives but this is seen as an advantage when assembling trains because it gives them more momentum.
  > 
  > They are going to start using hybrid locomotives for some long distance routes; I would guess these are for routes where the braking can be used to charge the batteries.
  > 
  > I have always thought it strange that the first major commercial user of GPS, using it even before the system was fully deployed, was the railroads. While it is quite hard to get lost in a train, it turns out that knowing exactly where you are on a route helps a great deal, since you can apply or reduce power to handle changes in grade based on solid data rather than "This Looks About Right." Thus, fuel and maintenance costs are reduced significantly.
  > 
  > Finally, I was told that in 1955 the old steam locomotives were surplused and sold for $500 each, and that included free use of the RR network to get it to your destination. Don't ya'll all wish you had bought one?
  > 
  > Of course, in 1955 the USN's F8F Bearcats were surplused and sold for $500 each. And I would rather have one of those!
  > 
  > Wayne
         
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