Locomotives

Do modern electric locomotives have throttle notches?  What about Acela, HHP-8, and AEM7?

aegrotatio:

Do modern electric locomotives have throttle notches?  What about Acela, HHP-8, and AEM7?

This topic (or at least a similar one) came up in a similar topic on a different forum. Since I can't post a link, I'll quote a small portion of a post:

The PL42s have a controller, not a throttle in the sense of 8 notches. Its a smooth gliding handle that doesn't have any notches, but have "power positions" which are labeled basically idle to 10, but there aren't any stops or notches, it will go down smoothly. The ironic part of it, is that there is a "translator" which reads the position of the handle and "translates" it into a normal 1-8 throttle position. It doesn't do that on the ALPs, as they have variable power and a slight move in the handle will make a slight move in power. Some of the cab cars you can actually hear the translator clicking as the handle is moved and each "notch" is passed ... However, the PL42 engine has 8 notches and the computer screen shows what notch position the controller is "translated" to. All of the ALPs have Controllers, as well as the Comet 5 and Multilevel Cab Cars, and the PL42s. The Dual Mode locos will probably have them as well.

So ALP-44s (all models) and ALP-46s, both modern electric locos, have controllers, and have more of a "percentage of power being used" as opposed to "notches"
ALP-44s are newer versions of AEM-7s, so I'd assume that AEMs are also equipped with controllers.
According to MS Train Simulator, Acelas and HHP-8s also have controllers, not a notched throttle. Then again, I'm not sure how accurate MSTS is, so don't trust me with that.

 Maybe someone else can confirm that last statement.
But to answer your question, not all (if any) modern electric locos have throttles.

Hope this helps.

 Okay, does it translate to eight power levels or is it truly variable?

...8 notches. Its a smooth gliding handle that doesn't have any notches, but have "power positions" which are labeled basically idle to 10... It doesn't do that on the ALPs, as they have variable power and a slight move in the handle will make a slight move in power.

I belive I read somewhere that the HHP-8 and Acela are designed to "coast" so you increase the throttle, and then when up to speed, you decrease the power again. No notches. Just markings.

bubbajustin:

I belive I read somewhere that the HHP-8 and Acela are designed to "coast" so you increase the throttle, and then when up to speed, you decrease the power again. No notches. Just markings.

If you take any loco with notches up to notch 8, and then bring it down to say, notch 2, it won't slow down. It won't slow down until you apply the brakes. So in theory, any locomotive will coast, just like a car would.

True, but then again you have rolling drag, areodynamics, the weight of the train etc. on a freight train. But yes, you are right. I just think that the Acela is more geared to do that. But yes any locomotive would.

GMS-AU:

Been a while since I saw inside an electric loco in my part of the world, however the desktop controls are similar to diesels but the gauges tend to be vertical types as opposed to more traditional clock style of gauges which are quicker to read and interpret. I believe fighter aircraft still use clock style gauges for this reason, but electric locos seem to prefer the vertical single line gauges. Anyone offer a reason for this? GMS

For certain types of information the vertical tape type display can be a better option, such as if you have it displaying T.E. of Multiple locomotives. When climbing the Gotthard the Driver will usually have the LH VDT displaying the T.E. of each locomotive so he can avoid exceeding drawgear pull limits. Also the Accelerometer  display is a vertical tape type. Conversely the Speedometer even though it is displayed on a VDT is a combination circular and digital readout. Brake pressure readouts for both Bombardier TRAXX and Siemens Eurosprinter locomotives were circular gauges.

DMUinCT:

Note in the above photo in the Acela (there is 20 of them) the Engineer has two CRT Screens in front of him (or her). The Fireman's side has one CRT.  The rows of buttons under each screen let him change displays to monitor bearing temp., air spring pressure, car door cardreader locks, etc.  In this photo the right screen has an Analog Speed Display with a Digital Speed Display in the upper right corner. The left side has the power draw ampmeters front and rear with the Brake Pressue Gauges below.,to the left is the status of all doors on the train.