How do engineers control multiple locomotives?
Multiple locomotives work together using a series of cables between the locomotives that provide an electric current, keeping the trailing locomotives in sync with the leader. This is performed by a 27-pin connector, that attaches between locomotives in the consist, as well as air hoses controlling the braking system.
What is train slack?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. In railroading, slack action is the amount of free movement of one car before it transmits its motion to an adjoining coupled car.
What is distributed power control system?
DISTRIBUTED POWER WIRELESS CONTROL SYSTEM (DPWCS) Distributed Power Wireless Control System was developed for Electric locomotives to provide Distributed Power Operation for achieving heavy haul. The Slave locomotives which are distributed in a train, obeys the command from the master locomotive through radio signals.
How do DPU locomotives work?
DPU – Stands for Distributed Power Unit, a locomotive set capable of remote-control operation in conjunction with locomotive units at the train’s head end. DPUs are placed in the middle or at the rear of heavy trains (such as coal, grain, soda ash and even manifest) to help climb steep grades, particularly in the West.
How is a DPU locomotive controlled?
The head end controlling locomotive controls the DP units or “remotes” along the train by sending command signals transmitted over radio links. Locotrol is designed to allow several trains to operate on the same radio frequency and within range of each other without interference.
How much slack is between train cars?
The slack comes from the 1/2 inch or so space in the coupler, times a large number of cars. A hundred coal cars times 1/2 inch is like 5 feet of slack So no need for springs you’ve got all the slack you can handle in the couplers.
How are pusher locomotives controlled?
In a push–pull train, locomotives at both ends of a train are used at the same time, being controlled by one driver. Using a single locomotive, a control car with duplicate controls is used when pushing.