schlimm On HSRs on the DB, the ICE 2 & 3s have all axles in the trainset powered; on the first HSR, the ICE 1s, only the end units are powered. On the OBB their HSRs, the Raijets, are locomotive powered, with the end car acting as a control car. Their top speed is only 140 mph, while ICE 3s can manage 175.
On HSRs on the DB, the ICE 2 & 3s have all axles in the trainset powered; on the first HSR, the ICE 1s, only the end units are powered. On the OBB their HSRs, the Raijets, are locomotive powered, with the end car acting as a control car. Their top speed is only 140 mph, while ICE 3s can manage 175.
The ICE 2s are a half set version of the ICE 1. The ICE 3 and the new ICE 4 are Distributed Traction trainsets.
Hi,
it all has to do with what the railroads require, and simple economics. I can only talk about the German railways, it was Siemens that started the development of AC traction and now makes engines with about 8600 hp that weigh about 90 ton. A far cry from our ES44ac's or SD70ACe's.
In Germany you need HP to move freight trains at high speeds. From my knowledge the heaviest Unit train in Germany is 5000 Tonnes. For that two AC's are sufficient, this train was pulled for the longest time with Two E151 Electric engines that weighed 120 tonnes and had 8000 hp each, but they were DC and could not put down their power as well as the AC's that even though being lighter can fulfill the task. To get the train rolling faster they use a third electric engine similar to the ones pulling up front to push from the rear. Totally unheard of in North America, but required in Germany to not impede the passenger trains.
Here in North America, there are no Government subsidies like in Europe and Freight rules the Rails. It is therefore more cost effective to have a heavier diesel engine that can produce the max amount of torque-hence the weight and extra driven axles-to move the longest heaviest possible train at a slower pace over the rails. If the train is to move faster then just hook up another diesel and off you go.
Also the SD70mac and SD90mac actually used Siemens technology in their locomotives and we know how that worked out with the 6000 hp engines.
Hope this explains things a little.
Frank
"If you need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm."
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.