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Re: Bi-modal electric and diesel railcars not performing very well
Author: Ernest H. Robl
Date: 11-30-2018 - 23:43
Siemens (and I think other manufactures) now offer a "last mile" auxiliary diesel on some main line electric locomotive models. The diesel is intended primarily for lower speed operation over short distances.
With internal electrical components for electric locomotives getting smaller and smaller -- while providing more power -- finding space for the diesel and generator apparently has not been a problem. The main spotting feature for the electrics with the "last mile" option are some small additional vents in the side of the locomotives for air intake for the diesel.
One primary use of locomotives with this option is on long distance intermodal trains. Why? Because in the loading areas of intermodal terminals, you cannot have any overhead wires. So these locomotives can move their train -- even in the terminal areas without wires.
Previously, electrics on these trains had coasted through the areas without catenary, stopping as soon as they reached the first powered section. This left the rest of train in the area without wires and able to be worked by gantry cranes or side loaders. But this was somewhat of a chancy maneuver, and the intermodal terminals had diesel switchers available to push or pull any trains that stalled in the unpowered sections.
-- Ernest
With internal electrical components for electric locomotives getting smaller and smaller -- while providing more power -- finding space for the diesel and generator apparently has not been a problem. The main spotting feature for the electrics with the "last mile" option are some small additional vents in the side of the locomotives for air intake for the diesel.
One primary use of locomotives with this option is on long distance intermodal trains. Why? Because in the loading areas of intermodal terminals, you cannot have any overhead wires. So these locomotives can move their train -- even in the terminal areas without wires.
Previously, electrics on these trains had coasted through the areas without catenary, stopping as soon as they reached the first powered section. This left the rest of train in the area without wires and able to be worked by gantry cranes or side loaders. But this was somewhat of a chancy maneuver, and the intermodal terminals had diesel switchers available to push or pull any trains that stalled in the unpowered sections.
-- Ernest
