When I see diesel locos moving slowly or idling, I often hear an electrical zapping sound coming from it. Is it from the traction motors?
2007-01-05 14:20:45 · 6 answers · asked by james84_perrypa 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Rail
railrunner is on the right track (no pun intended).
The main air reservoir has air operated, automatic condensation releases for getting rid of the unwanted moisture that collects in the reservoir.
The condensation is created when the air that comes from the air compressor, which is hot, travels through the after-cooler on its way to the main air reservoir. As the air cools, condensation occurs and the result is water.
Most describe it as a "popping" sound, but zapping plays just as well.
Good question.
2007-01-05 17:31:17 · answer #1 · answered by Samurai Hoghead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Direct-coupled diesel-mechanical transmission is practically possible only up to power ratings of around 300 horse-power. Above this figure, the transmission - clutch, gearbox, reversers etc. have to be made so massive to withstand the loadings that the whole ensemble weighs more than a diesel-electric of equivalent power, and is therefore less efficient. When all is said and done, the modern diesel-electric locomotive is only a 'stop-gap'. The most efficient method to move rail traffic is with straight electric locomotives, taking their power from a centrally-located power station. However, this is not an economic proposition in many parts of the world, or even parts of single countries, and so the diesel-electric locomotive is used. It is, in effect, a mobile power station, and size-for-size and weight-for-weight, a 'straight' electric locomotive is generally twice as powerful than a hybrid diesel-electric.
2016-05-22 21:40:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the UK it used to happen in the days of steam locomotives as well, if the loco had a Westinghouse brake system. That used a reservoir on the side of the loco which made a 'popping' noise whilst the loco was idle.
2007-01-05 22:18:43 · answer #3 · answered by rdenig_male 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you are most liking hearing is air from the air compressers that will make a loud like zapping sound.Traction motors don"t make any noise when siting at a idle.
2007-01-05 15:13:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hoghead gave another great answer.... Air needs to be as dry as possible in order to extend the life of air brake equipment...Along with automatic drains most locomotives have air dryers which remove most of the moisture in the air system...
2007-01-06 01:36:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
hoghead is exactly right!
2007-01-07 04:40:45 · answer #6 · answered by boostnutt 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋