What is "Select-A-Power"?

[Anonymous]

I recall seeing Conrail engines with this lettering just below the engine number on the side of the cab. I am curious as to what the "Select-A-Power" is. Is it some type of fuel saving device? I have seen this on everything from GP-15s to SD-40s. Anyone know?
Todd C.

[Anonymous]

SP had some units that had a little control box that could take some of the trailing units off line or kill them (I cannot remember which) for fuel conservation. I think it was called "Select-A-Power". Was not real popular.

[Anonymous]

its not for shuting down units... i have seen it...i have run locomotives with it..but i didnt use it... it dose have something to do with the amout of amperage the traction motors use..or something like that...ill have to take a look at the train handleing rules and see if i can find anything about it...ill get back to you on this....

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Gary, I'd be interested if you can find anything on this.
Todd C.

[Anonymous]

Conrail cyclopedia calls it Harmon Select-A-Power which, when used, put a trailing locomotive into notch one. Enough power to not be a drain on the remaining power yet low enough to save on fuel.

[Anonymous]

Select a power was a system we used before we were split up between CSX and NS. Basically the engineer could put some of the trailing units in notch one from the leaders cab which saved fuel without the crew having to walk back and isolate the engines not needed, and he could also disengage it from the leader if they needed the power to get rolling again after a stop or to pull a grade all the engines had to have it installed for it to work properly but it is not used to my knowledge any more because of the mixed consists we pull with now since the split up. The electricians know more about this system than us machinist's do as they were the ones who maintained them. MrCNJ

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much for the info. This truly is a great "chat-room". If anyone needs info on Grand Trunk Western, that's my speciality. E-mail me at [e-mail]
Thanks again, Todd C.