Re: diesel loco

[John Bachman <jdbachman@dejazzd.com>]

Tech Man wrote:

>
>
> Its not only transferring power to eight wheels you need a very wide range
> of gear ratios.  Starting from a complete stop you need a very large speed
> reduction from the engine to the wheels.

There is a gear reduction between the motor and the wheel set (axle) on a modern
Locomotive. Freight locos are geared for power, psgr for speed.

>
>
> Try coming up with a mechanical scheme to transfer power from one engine, to
> eight wheels mounted on two pivoting bogies.

I used to work on an antique self-propelled rail vehicle that had a *kingpin
drive* patented by Brill in the late 20's. It was a converted narrow gauge Coach
that was built to try to save a rural Pennsylvania railroad in 1929. A 4 speed
trans was coupled to this massive center shaft (king pin) that drove all 4
wheels of the lead truck through gears and chains. Originally had a Buffalo
Marine 6 cylinder engine. Was converted to a Ford flattie and later to a Mopar
V8.

The same RR also has a 20 ton Gas/mechanical Plymouth loco. Big 6 cyl and 4
speed that drove the wheel sets via chains.
BTW: some of the Plymouth locos (no affiliation to Mopar) and little GE's have
diesels that are started with compressed air.

Modern locos accomplish amazing feats of power because of their controllers, ask
Bob Rice.
--JB