Video shot at Illinois Live Steamers.
In this video, we do some shakedown testing of a large-scale EMD F7 locomotive that we designed and built. In the first segment, the engineer highballs past the camera at full throttle while pulling a short freight train. In the second segment, the engineer starts the train from standstill and then immediately goes to full power to determine if the locomotive can develop enough adhesion to avoid wheelslip.
This 1.6 inch scale locomotive is modeled on the widely-used EMD F7 A-unit that was built from 1949 to 1953. The model is approximately 6-1/2 feet in length, 22-1/2 inches in height over the rails and a little more than 16 inches wide across the grab irons. Finished wet weight will be approximately 1000 pounds.
The prime mover is a 16 horsepower Briggs and Stratton industrial V-twin engine governed to 2400 RPM at full throttle-idle speed is 850 RPM. Propulsion is through an innovative hydrodynamic drive that is designed to produce the behavior of true Diesel-electric operation. The propulsion system is electro-pneumatically controlled, same as with the prototype.
The locomotive and control car are equipped with air brakes, which are adaptations of industrial disc brakes. An engine-driven compressor provides the air pressure needed to operate the brakes and the propulsion system controls. In an emergency, it is possible to "plug" the locomotive to come to a stop.
The main sections of the body are fabricated from welded and riveted steel. The nose and cab section of the body is an Alumilite® casting; everything behind the cab doors is steel. The body is hinged at the number two end so it will open like the body on a drag racing funny car. A set of industrial gas springs assists in opening the body, necessary because it weighs about 110 pounds. The sheet metal parts of the body were produced by Pike River Northern (visit them at pikerivernorthern.com). Pike River Northern also can supply Alumilite nose and number two end castings, as well as Blomberg trucks and many other items.
Engineer's controls include a prototypical notched throttle, reverser, transition and the air brake valve. The finished design will have automatic transition, same as the prototype, and of course, an air horn.
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6 дек 2017
