How high would the standing water have to be to affect the traction motors?
Guess RRs typically allow engines to run thru water that's 3 inches above top of rail? That's assuming speed limit 10 mph, or maybe less. I suppose even one inch is too much if speed is much higher?
That'll be addressed in the ETT. Mine is in the back of the truck or I'd look it up.
Ten MPH sounds about right. Hopefully MOW is aware and can provide guidance. Water can do some pretty nasty stuff to a roadbed.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
We aren't supposed to run through water above the rail.
If we can't stop before entering the flooded area we are to creep out at no more than 3 mph, as long as the water is not high enough to touch the traction motor frames.
If we can't stop before entering high water we are to quickly reduce the throttle to idle, open (turn off) the generator field switch, and then advance the throttle to notch 8, in order to pump as much air as possible through the traction motors in an attempt to pressurize them and prevent water from entering (this instruction was obviously written with direct-drive traction motor blower units like GP38s and SD40s in mind).
Once the locomotive gets out of the water the throttle is to be left advanced in notch 5 or lower for "a few minutes", again in an attempt to dry out the motors. The manual does not say how we are supposed to exit the flooded area without using power, presumably we are supposed to coast out if possible or get pushed out by another locomotive that stays in a dry area.
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FWIW, the K-M diesel-hydraulics were supposed to be good for water 12" above the rail heads. I would also expect AC motors to have less of a problem with water than DC motors.
This also reminds me of a story line in a Disney comic book about a steam locomotive pushing a diesel powered passenger train out of high water.
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