Mechanical Department "No no that's fine shove that 20 pound set all around the yard... those shoes aren't hell and a half to change..."
The Missabe Road: Safety First
QUOTE: Originally posted by stmtrolleyguy Thats just about the first (and only) good thing I've hear about anything remotely having to do with locomotive toilets.
QUOTE: Originally posted by zardoz QUOTE: Originally posted by stmtrolleyguy Thats just about the first (and only) good thing I've hear about anything remotely having to do with locomotive toilets. I know, it's a crappy subject.....
QUOTE: Originally posted by zardoz If the current gets to the locomotive, all sorts of interesting (mostly bad for the electronics) things can happen. A direct hit to the locomotive would likely fry the unit, and would not do much good for the crew if they happened to be touching metal and complete a circuit (just like in your car). A lightning hit to the rails would send current for a distance until the charge had been bled off by various grounding objects, and would likely short the signals (I've seen that happen). I do not know what a strike to the train cars would do; probably send some current to the cars coupled to it, and some charge to the rail. BTW, other than a specially-built safe-room, or a deep basement covered by reinforced decking, a stationary locomotive (especially down in the nose by the toilet, to avoid flying objects) is one of the safest places to be in a tornado.
QUOTE: Originally posted by upchuck [?]What can happen when railcars are struck by lightning, particularly those containing volatiles?
QUOTE: Originally posted by GP40-2 Fry the locomotive????[(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D]Having been there, done that, I can assure you that won't happen.
QUOTE: Originally posted by Jim_White QUOTE: Originally posted by upchuck [?]What can happen when railcars are struck by lightning, particularly those containing volatiles? The lightning current striking the railcar would instantly be directed along the exterior skin and steel skeletal structure down along the 8 wheels (for a standard railcar). The steel wheels make contact with the rail and the rail makes contact with electrical ground somewhere along the way. This is unlike an automobile where the rubber tires insulate, separating the vehicle's body from ground. The volatile contents inside a railcar should be fine. Lightning is not something brand new. Neither is lightning protection on the rails.
QUOTE: Originally posted by tatans Just in passing , has a train EVER been struck by lightning?
QUOTE: Originally posted by SteamerFan The steel wheels make contact with the rail and the rail makes contact with electrical ground somewhere along the way. This is unlike an automobile where the rubber tires insulate, separating the vehicle's body from ground. The volatile contents inside a railcar should be fine. Lightning is not something brand new. Neither is lightning protection on the rails.
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