One of the reasons that the Acela is relatively overpowered is that the power cars were designed for high performance with longer consists, probably 10-12 cars.
BaltACD daveklepper If it provided dynamic brakiing, it also provided propulsion. I would expect that Acela has the ability to configure the power cars to be either power, dynamic brake or both at the operators desires. I would expect that he could have it set so that the lead power car is for power and the rear power car is for dynamic braking - with this configureation the slack will always be streached throughout the train thus providing a smother ride for the passengers.
daveklepper If it provided dynamic brakiing, it also provided propulsion.
If it provided dynamic brakiing, it also provided propulsion.
I would expect that Acela has the ability to configure the power cars to be either power, dynamic brake or both at the operators desires. I would expect that he could have it set so that the lead power car is for power and the rear power car is for dynamic braking - with this configureation the slack will always be streached throughout the train thus providing a smother ride for the passengers.
I'd suspect the operator has no control over the blended braking system at all. That is, he just moves the lever and the train figures out what to do.
-Don (Random stuff, mostly about trains - what else? http://blerfblog.blogspot.com/)
Nope. Normal operation is both for both. Emergency operation is one for both but NOT one for one and the other for the other. A change to that would require some reconnection of internal cables.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
When I rode the Acela in Summer 2001 from Boston to New Haven and back on the return trip I sat in the last car. It felt very much like the rear unit was being used as the dynamic braking unit. Every time the train slowed down it felt like it had just deployed a drag chute. I could feel the tug and what little slack there is run out.
Rick Shivik
Conyers, GA
Both are used for traction although one can operate the train at somewhat reduced performance. Both are used for HEP witih the division in the center of the train. Again, however, one can handle the load if necessary.
aegrotatioWe all know the Acela is somewhat over-powered for the consist, but not so over-powered that only one power car is used for traction, correct?
Yep
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