Don is reported to have said... > >>> Modern locomotives have a nozzle that shoots sand down on the wheels > >>> (trucks, for the railroad politically correct) to add traction when > the computer senses that the wheels are slipping.
Actually sanders have been on locomotives since the very early days. If you look at an old steam locomotive, one of the several "domes" on top is the sand dome. The actuating system was automatic....when the engineer saw the wheels slipping, he actuated it...kind of like driving a 240D ;-) That small contact point is exactly why it was always fun to put a penny on the rail and see it get "smushed" by the train. A couple of years ago, Union Pacific ran one of its old steamers down to Houston to take Bush '41' up to College Station, where his library is, for his 80th (I think) birthday. It made a maintenance stop in Conroe and I took the grandkids over to see it up close. It was a major event for a couple of young boys (and a much older "young boy" as well). When they blew the whistle to start up, I couldn't believe how loud it was. Lots of folks gathered round to put coins on the track next to the wheels. The U-P guys didn't say anything, so I guess it did no harm. Royce Engler _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
