I was wondering what happens when the lead unit of a consist goes down. Does it operate like a cab-control unit? Where does it get power for lighting and other functions, from the battery, or does it draw it's power from the trailing units? Also, do the guages in the lead unit operate, such as the ammeter, speedo, and others. How do they monitor the performance of the train in that situation?
Thanx
When the lead engine fails, it can still function as a control cab. A couple of the pins in a MU cable transfer power, much power comes form batteries. The ammeter won't work, but the air gauges and speedo usually work just fine. Seat of the pants as to how the train is handling. Might not make it far if the train was underpowered to start with.
Mike WSOR engineer | HO scale since 1988 | Visit our club www.WCGandyDancers.com
I'll echo what Mike said. I have seen that twice on CN and in both cases the train was already a shade underpowered and so was held until the loco could be refuled or refilled with water. Makes for interesting radio chatter...things like:-"What do you mean 'you ran out of fuel'?"-"Well the fuel indicators all say we're out and the engine cranks but won't catch".
Dan
The heaters don't work either.. its a cold ride in a dead unit .
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