From: ahk@chinet.com

Robert Heller  wrote:
>At Sun, 4 Sep 2016 21:02:48 -0500 Larry Sheldon  wrote:
>>On 9/4/2016 15:09, Adam H. Kerman wrote:

>>>Even in interurban days, we've read that CNS&M RR, which did operate at
>>>grade through suburban territory, lost plenty of motors during winters
>>>with heavy snowfall.

>>>Motors need to be cooled. They need air intake. They need to be in a place
>>>under the railcar where they can provide traction. It's just the nature.

>>Don't diesel engines have the same problem?

>Actually no.  The air intake (for the prime mover) is near the top, *except*
>for "Tunnel Motors" -- "Tunnel Motors" are diesel engines specificly designed
>for long and poorly ventelated tunnels.  "Normal" engines would such diesel
>exhaust into the air intake and stall.  Opps.

I read that the air intake for streetcar motors in northern cities was near
the top to avoid sucking up snow.

>I think a diesel loco might have more under carriage clearance (larger wheels)
>AND are equiped with snow plows (so there is going to be less snow under the
>train). This probably means that they would not have the same traction motor
>issues as would a EMU (powered) transit car (which has no plow, smaller
>wheels, less ground clearance).

>>>Anyway, CTA spec'ed how the motors were ventilated. It wasn't the
>>>manufacturer's problem.

>>I think the manufacturer has a moral responsibility to say "We are NOT
>>going to put our name on a defective design like that."

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