I always enjoy posts that show the inner workings of a railroad, or in this case, a locomotive. Nice job on the photos and descriptions!
John Timm
....With traction motors under such "load", especially in mountainous territory....running at almost full capacity for long periods of time must generate hugh amounts of internal heat.
I would suppose the cooling blast of pressurized air requirement must be tremendous. Critical to keep the motors from failure from heat.
Quentin
Ok, first two should show the cooling intake with what I think are contactors just inside.
Then a shot of the traction motor in the truck from above so you can see how it is supported and kept from spinning, and last is a old set of wheel bearings off of our MK1500Ds.
23 17 46 11
...Really good visuals Ed. I'm wondering how the protection cover is not in place over the ring / pinion gears, and the unit is still in it's working position of the "truck".
I suppose the "cover" would have to be in split pieces, but it has to have a possive seal to keep the environment out and to keep lube in and dirt out.....And where is the sump for lube oil for those gears.....? And in a working unit, I don't suppose the "oil level" would be checked very often. Perhaps they are lubed in a different way.....?? Any thoughts..?
In Ed's earlier post "And you thought your floor jack was bad..." the first picture shows the gear assembly cover in place, which looks to be a two-piece assembly, actually looking like identical parts. There appear to be access ports for checking/adding to oil level and even draining, to an extent. In other pictures, you can see a seal in the pictures (white, it appears) that would be necessary.
Also, my own curiosity has been relieved by something I finally noticed in the picture I just referred to and picture number three in his post above, which involves the little loops by which the traction motor can be lifted by a hoist out of a truck. I knew they had to be there somewhere but missed them on the first picture.
Those are some healthy looking bearings in picture number four above, as well. It looks like two sets in parallel.
Thanks again, Ed, we saw everything but the "amateurs" here.
Quentin and Chuck,
In the first post, last photo you can see the seal, the white ring, in place for the gear cover, the cover itself is a two piece affair.
Third post, first photo of the "old" traction motor you can see, on the right side, the cover in place, and the two round inspection/lube hatches.
The gears themselves are greased with heavy duty grease, no sump, I will find out tomorrow what brand and type...the two hatches are for inspection for broken teeth and debris, and allow the grease to be added.
With the type of teeth these have, cogs style instead of spiral or beveled, the grease is not as necessary as you would think; it slows the wear more than reduces friction.
I will get a photo of the covers and assorted parts tomorrow.
The rubber and steel plate bumper Randy was talking about, the ones that keep the traction motor from moving up or down,(spinning on the axel) have not been installed yet, they go in between the tabs located just under the lift rings Chuck noticed.
The one thing I recall from my years in the field....it you step into a glob of traction motor grease....you will play hell getting it off of your footwear! Heavy and sticky!
edblysard The gears themselves are greased with heavy duty grease, no sump, I will find out tomorrow what brand and type...the two hatches are for inspection for broken teeth and debris, and allow the grease to be added.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Probably the SAME stuff I used to use to greasy my 5th wheel on my Truck. That stuff ever got on your Clothes FORGET about getting it out of them. I never felt so sorry for my Beagle tyhat roade with me one time than the time she got out of the truck and landed in a spot of 5th wheel grease on her coat.
I only had to wash her 6 times to get it out of her fur.
They are most likely using Crater Compound. Its a very thick and extremely sticky grease. Like others have said its nearly impossible to get it off of things.
dekemd They are most likely using Crater Compound. Its a very thick and extremely sticky grease. Like others have said its nearly impossible to get it off of things.
Which is why it often ended up on the door handles of the company's railroad police cars.
the shots inside the traction motor clearly show the top brushgear, I wish I had a dime for every one I've changed...
12 brushes per motor.
Randy
edblysard Quentin and Chuck, In the first post, last photo you can see the seal, the white ring, in place for the gear cover, the cover itself is a two piece affair. Third post, first photo of the "old" traction motor you can see, on the right side, the cover in place, and the two round inspection/lube hatches. The gears themselves are greased with heavy duty grease, no sump, I will find out tomorrow what brand and type...the two hatches are for inspection for broken teeth and debris, and allow the grease to be added. With the type of teeth these have, cogs style instead of spiral or beveled, the grease is not as necessary as you would think; it slows the wear more than reduces friction. I will get a photo of the covers and assorted parts tomorrow. The rubber and steel plate bumper Randy was talking about, the ones that keep the traction motor from moving up or down,(spinning on the axel) have not been installed yet, they go in between the tabs located just under the lift rings Chuck noticed.
Thanks for info Ed. And Yes, I know in auotmotive transmission gearing, Spur gearing {straight teeth}, are stronger.....and much more noisier....But in this installation who cares of the sound.
Quentin,
I figured with your background you would know what I meant!
Spiral was the word I was looking for....
Noise is not an issue as you pointed out, with the locomotive in notch 5 and up all you hear is the cat.
edblysard Noise is not an issue as you pointed out, with the locomotive in notch 5 and up all you hear is the cat.
I didn't think Mookie was that loud!
Watch it Do not make that CAT mad.
Ed,
I wish to say 'thank you' for posting pictures and explanations of something most of us have never had the privilege of viewing before.
It was very informative. Thanks again.
Norm
Be nice to Mookie. She is a good gal.
She who has no signature! cinscocom-tmw
More traction motor shots.
First shows both the front and back of a traction motor, next is the gear cover halves (old) and new ones.
Oh, and trust me, Mookie is a cat best to have on your side...
Keep motors - send car!
Mookie Keep motors - send car!
Aimee says she is working on it!
Mookie,How many Cats do you have.
Russell
....Great visuals again Ed. Very descriptive....easy to see the "gear covers now"....I note they are made out of rather heavy steel and now I understand with pcs. that sturdy, the two halves can come together with a good solid fit around the seal.
I'm a little surprised to see the open cooling vents right on the motor housing. Thought they might somehow extend those openings up a bit higher to prevent water getting in so easy. But I realize that motor is located in such a postion that might be difficult to do.
Yes, us car guys note cars.....and I'm sure you are pleased with yours Ed. Nice.
csxns Mookie,How many Cats do you have.
Now we have squirrels, birds of all kinds, rabbits and they are all "outside pets!" Lots of peanuts, corn and seeds!
Jen.....Decades and decades ago, when I was a youngster, we had a pet cat named "Putsie".....I have no idea where the name came from. She would go and hunt a mouse, and bring it up on the porch, for everyone to "see"....and play with it before it would do what cats do with mice.
.....Jen, decades and decades ago we had a pet cat at home and it's name was "Putsie".....Have no idea where that name came from. She would go and hunt a mouse, and bring it up on the porch for all to "see"....and play with it and eventually, do with it what cats do with mice.
......Sorry for the double.
Mookie,We have 20 cats one dog and a pariot.
csxns Mookie,We have 20 cats one dog and a pariot.
Mookie csxns: Mookie,We have 20 cats one dog and a pariot. I will mind my manners and not ask if Hoarders has called....
csxns: Mookie,We have 20 cats one dog and a pariot.
I dont understand, but you can take them off my hands if you want to.
Landlord sez "no pets".... sometimes "rules is good...."
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