Re: D&S 1202

Chris Webster Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>

Quote
Samart
Come on Chris...work with me here. I
> know it’s a stretch...but we gotta give these
> engines a nickname

Well, I'm calling it a PUP, rather appropriate, certainly not in the same league approaching the GE DX beast.

>
> I want to call it a Mini-Marc because it reminds
> me of
> [url=https://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?l
> ocomotive=GP40WH-2]MARC's GP40WH-2 fleet
> (railpictures.net)[/url]
>
> Another possibility would be to refer to 1201 and
> 1202 as the "Fanlesses" since they don't have any
> external fans on their roofs, which is very
> unusual for EMD based diesels.... plus all the
> close-minded steam and Alco fans won't like them.
>

Most if not all EMD/GMD export narrow gauge Locos have cooling fans mounted inside the hood(under the roof top). On a reduced clearance profile there is no way to roofmount the fan assembly that the generous loading gauge (on the USA s.g. lines) allows.

>
> [quote="Michael Allen"]It doesn't appear to have
> dynamic brakes which would seem to be an oversight
> on a mountain railroad.[/quote]
>

Clearly a case of Stone-age railway thinking, to be expected from a line that didn't until now, ever roster a dynamic-brake equipped Unit. I guess the potential is lost on the management as they are encumbered by operating but also thinking in the past.
The addition of that feature would enable cost-savings in brake shoes alone, as well as giving a less jerky ride for the passengers, something that got up my nose on the occasions I did ride the D&S.


> My understanding is that dynamic brakes are not
> that effective at the low speeds the D&S operates
> at (because the wheels aren't turning fast enough
> to generate full current.)

I could write you a spiel on the operation and use of narrow gauge dynamic brake operated on grades up to 3%, but that would fall under the category of Know It All railfan-railroader. So you miss out.