QUOTE: Originally posted by f14aplusfl I'm a mechanical engineering student currently am engaged in research regarding modern railroad locomotives. I choose this topic due to my interest and love of trains. I’d like some insight and perhaps suggestions on possible material to research into. As many of you know, the major locomotive manufacturers, GE and EMD, respectively have released the GEVOs and SD70ACe models to the market to meet the EPA Tier II regulations that went into effect at the beginning of this year. But obviously railroad locomotive designs will not stop there. I’ve listed my objectives and overall outline below for my technical paper. 1. Discussion of modern locomotive design (quick overview, most likely a general schematic with basic descriptions) 2. The Diesel Engine – Fuel consumptions versus horsepower, emissions, etc… 3. Traction Motors AC versus DC 4. Reduction of Cost (Maintenance, fuel, etc...) 5. Future Visions? (perhaps direction of RailPower Technologies developed hybrid locomotives - I also understand GE is working on a hybrid design of its own) I’d appreciate any welcome comments and/or suggestions to redefine the focus, topics, and scope of the paper. Also, suggestions for possible sources of information would be appreciated. I’d rather have a 20 page pager discussing a few things in detail rather than the same length glossing over various issues. With your help, I like to identify those issues deemed serious by the railroad industry and address these key issues with in my paper. Through some research, I hope to be able to offer some, although admittedly most likely meager, contribution of some sort to the field. Thanks!
-Don (Random stuff, mostly about trains - what else? http://blerfblog.blogspot.com/)
USAF TSgt C-17 Aircraft Maintenance Flying Crew Chief & Flightline Avionics Craftsman
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QUOTE: Originally posted by trainboyH16-44 I can say one thing, design a new cab that's less ugly, in the majority opinion. Nothing too chunky. As for the other stuff, I have no opinion, and if I did, it would be a very uninformed one. I couldn't tell a F-M prime mover from an EMD. Trainboy
-ChrisWest Chicago, ILChristopher May Fine Art Photography"In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." ~Ansel Adams
QUOTE: I think I can help you out. You may be biting off quite a bit for a 20 page paper, but you have identified the right stuff to include. Is this paper for a class? What class? What year student are you? (and where?) You will want to look into ASME and IEEE published papers. There are quite a few that have been published by the loco builders on new locomotive models. Some border on being commercials for their product, but they have a lot of valuable info in them. The ASME and IEEE hold a joint conf. each year and these papers usually get presented there. You might be able to find copies of the minutes of these meetings somewhere, too.
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