Dennis Cardy Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Bill ..Good information on #50
>
> Something you said caught my attention.
>
> Most of us who read the forum will never have a
> chance to operate this stuff.
> Could you expand on your comment…" it was a bit
> of a handful to operate "
>
> Was it a bit sluggish responding to throttle and
> brake. Requiring careful judgment on the part of
> the operator.. when moving cars around..??.. Or
> something else…
> I noted in Charlie M's shot ..that the rear step
> is slightly off-kilter. ….Unrelated to it's
> handling..?
>
>
> [attachment 41433 CRRMLoco501983C.Mutschler.jpg]
50 is a diesel mechanical. It has a multi disc clutch assembly. You have to to shift/engage it using a clutch pedal. Note the 50 is operated from the fireman's side.The transmission shifter linkage comes off the right side of the trans, over the top of the trans tunnel then down and up to a final vertical lever. Lots of slop in the four odd feet of levers/rods. . Shifting is kind of a lottery. Never did change gears while running. 4 speed transaxle weighing over 2000.lbs.Brake stand to the engineers left with a manual throttle quadrant further forward. There is a lot going on.Remember, 50 has more tractive effort than 346. Engine response is good, you need to get used to 50.The CRRM fabricated an entire NEW air brake system that is very responsive.. Rumor has it the Durango switching crew disliked 50, saying it was hard on track. Turns out there was a pay differential between steamer and diesel operation.
That's what I heard.
Bill G
High Commander
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/11/2017 08:58AM by HAICH OMANDIER.