Hi all, we're working on story ideas for the 2013 edition of Locomotive. Please share your ideas here or drop me a note to editor@trainsmag.com. Thanks, and have a great day! Jim
Hello Jim
I would like to see an article on Russian locomotives. Obviously, the Russian railways operate a huge network, on a scale comparable to, if not larger than North Amercan railways, in some respects. The railways use automatic couplers, long trains, and mu'd locomotives, unlike European railways.
I think a look at Russian locomotives would not only be an interesting read, it would also be informative relative to North American railway operations.
Shuswap2501
The articles about overseas operations should be continued. I would recommend an article about Brazilian railroads, especially since they operate so many locomotives of North American design.
How about LNG conversions popping up.
I would be very interested to read an article about the MBTA's new MPI HSP46 (frame and body designed by MPI with GE GEVO engine and electrical system). These units should start arriving and go into service in the coming year.
"I Often Dream of Trains"-From the Album of the Same Name by Robyn Hitchcock
Generally, I always want more technical explanation about the mechanical and electrical details.
_____________
"A stranger's just a friend you ain't met yet." --- Dave Gardner
I'd suggest an article on EMD's new plant in Sete Lagos Brazil along with a look at the SD70ACe/45 and SD80ACe being built and operated in Brazil.
ML
Ironeagle2006 Here would be a Good one a good Breakdown of how Each of the Makers aka GE and EMD are going to be meeting Tier 4 that is in the Pipeline in less than 2 Years and Compare that an OTR Engine that is running Right now except for size your going to be Amazed how Similar things are Under the Hood so to speak.
Here would be a Good one a good Breakdown of how Each of the Makers aka GE and EMD are going to be meeting Tier 4 that is in the Pipeline in less than 2 Years and Compare that an OTR Engine that is running Right now except for size your going to be Amazed how Similar things are Under the Hood so to speak.
I second the idea of coverage of Tier 4 -- this is a "locomotive bearing down on the car stuck in the crossing."
If GM "killed the electric car", what am I doing standing next to an EV-1, a half a block from the WSOR tracks?
story on the cat progress new buisness and products. aar research testing of new engines.
UP Steam Program locomotives!
E9s, DD40X, Northern, Challenger, soon Big Boy, so many locomotives, and also get the inside scoop on what is really going on with the Big Boy.
How about an economic study of EMDs 22ECO program. It was originally sold as using up to sold as using up to 75% of the original locomotive in remanufactured form such as trucks, traction motors, alternator and frame. With the CP 20ECOs they use only the trucks and traction motors with everything else except a reman alternator from the unit exchange pool.
One question that comes up here time and time again is "how do RRs figure out what to buy, when?" How about coming up with some examples. New vs. rebuild? Which models? An examination of costs vs value. Maint and fuel costs, replacement ratios, utilization, etc.
-Don (Random stuff, mostly about trains - what else? http://blerfblog.blogspot.com/)
Jim,
I'd love to see somewhat of a reprise of the old "Motive Power Survey" type article. You know, who's retiring what and when, what is assigned where, who's getting what new delivery, etc. They were very informative.
Steven
Agree with chicagorails on CAT & Erie updates as part of a reprise of Motive Power Survey suggested by SCL1517. Leave the foreign stuff for monthly TRAINS issues, and, no steam.
An illustrated article explaining AC and DC traction motors.
I agree with Steven......... I like to see what's new, and I would like to know about "STORED" locomotives, and what has to be done to store them, and put them back in service.
Hi Jim,
I would like to see a feature on New Zealand's locomotives. You would be able to cover our older American built locomotives (some built as early 1955), their rebuilds and modifications and how they work along side the new Chinese built locomotives. Which could lead into another article on how railway companies purchase /tender for new locomotives, and how it effects the choice of models available.
Maybe some stuff on the new Tier 4 and new CAT powered locos, something behind the scenes somewhat technical. (Or that might make a good regular Trains Magazine article)
Hello Jim ;
I've got this idea that's been in my head for some time now. It concerns Alco units, and the fact that such locomotives are becaming a rare breed here in Europe. Back here in my country only 5 are still operational (ok, these units are not quite Alco, but a model built by Bombardier for export - MX627S. Anyway their inhards are purely Alco, with a big 16 cilinder 251 as a 'heart'). Besides that, Alco history outside the US seems to be an adventurous one, and this idea shows what I call a missing link.
Kind regards
I have a copy from every locomotive magazine that was produced and they are all fantastic. What I would like to see is a story on the SD60MAC, where the technology came from, how the evaluation of these locomotives was done, and how these machines convinced the railroad brass that AC is a good thing.
Frank
"If you need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm."
John WR An illustrated article explaining AC and DC traction motors.
Illinois Railway Museum is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2013. Something about how the diesel collection was assembled would be a good article. The same could be said for any of the other major diesel collections.
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