From: heller@deepsoft.com

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 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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