[Cobrabill]

Originally Posted by OVERULD

OP: I can only imagine the torque that a locomotive must produce to get a long loaded train moving. Looking at the drive wheels on a locomotive it seems that they would just spin on the tracks. Can you explain some things for this non-railroader?

1)How much horsepower in a typical locomotive?
2)How much torque to the drive wheels?
3)Does the diesel engine power a generator that then powers electric motors on the drive wheels?
4)Why don't the drive wheels spin on the track when starting out?
5)What is final drive ratio of the gearing used?
6)Why do you see one or more locomotives turned backwards when running several together?

Thanks - sorry for any stupid questions.

BJ

1)Between 4000 & 4400 for road power
2)A single unit can generate 190,000+/- pounds of tractive effort
3)Yes.
4)Weight on the wheels.The contact patch for each wheel is roughly the size of a dime.
5)DOn't know-the gear on the traction motor drives what is basically a ring gear on the axle.
6)If they are not the lead unit,direction is irrellevant.To change direction,you simply move to the cab of the other unit.

[Alvin]

There was an interesting Diesel Locomotive Retrofit Company reality TV program on cable last fall that rebuilt locomotives to run cleaner.

Was interesting to see the step-by-step evaluation, tear down, up-grade and restoration of a locomotive with the newer tech lower emission GenSet power modules. They used a 1950’s locomotive as the foundation of the retrofit. It was painted Black with Red/Orange accents when finish.

Any of these in your fleet? Comments on Pros/Cons as a real world end user?

I think it was this company. http://www.leanandgreenlocomotive.com/

About the technology
"To meet the guidelines set forth in the original concept the following technologies have been incorporated into the locomotive design.

T.M.V. locomotive management system.
This system features the latest in wheel slip adhesion technology providing the best traction available in the market. Also included is the ability to
communicate with all other onboard systems on a touch screen monitor conveniently mounted on the control stand. A few of the items displayed are:

All engine data from both engines, Main generator output, Speed, cooling fan operations, load, anything found on an event recorder, a history of faults, and
to many more items to list here.

A.P.U. unit
M.T.U. onsite energy proprietary 135KW generator. John Deere 4045 tier 3 (subsequent models will be tier 4i) This unit provides all power for the
locomotive including air compressor, cooling fans, battery charging, traction motor and rectifier blowers

The A.P.U. also provides power for the I.G.B.T. air cooled choppers. This system allows the locomotive and a train of limited tonnage to be moved without
the need to start the large engine. Air cooling eliminates the problem of failure common in the liquid cooled versions used by others.

Main engine
MTU-Detroit Diesel 12V2000 V-12 1005 B.H.P. Charge air cooled engine. Tier 2 (subsequent models will be tier 4i)

Air compressor
Ingersoll-Rand 30 HP rotary screw air compressor with built in refrigerant cooled dryer. This air compressor provides air with the lowest humidity in the market.

Grants.
The lean and Green has been awarded an Ohio Third Frontier grant, Ohio D.E.R.G. grant for 3 units, Northwest Indiana clean air grant and a California Carl
Moyers grant. With the recent 5 year extension of the Diesel clean air grant program, grants will continue to be an attractive way to help finance clean
locomotive projects.

Main alternator
Marathon two bearing variable frequency alternator with a proprietary Darrah Electrical air cooled rectifier.

[TTOP350]

As a Conductor for Norfolksouthern in Decatur Il, I also see a lot of stuff most poeple don't want to see.
While I was in training we saw many deer tring to beat the train, they didn't. My 1st kill, we saw 3 coming but couldn't do a thing about it all. A doe and 2 lil guys lost that day, it was very anticlimactic.
We also about hit 5 kids walking down the middle of the tracks coming home from school. Horn was blaring but they didn't get off tracks until we were VERY close. Then they looked at us like, what are you doing making use move??
People can be DUMB. Just 1 engine weighs 410,000lbs give or take and thats enuff to really mess up your plans 4 the weekend.
I see on average 5 people tryn to "beat the train" on a given shift.
Don't do it!!!