GP38 with pantagraphs?

[Pensyfan19]

On the Chicagoland Commuter & Transit page, I have noticed that one of the threads shows a recently rebuilt NICTD 1000 with a pantagraph as it usually runs within electrified territory for the South Shore Line.

(Image from the thread): http://www.railroad.net/download/file.p ... &mode=view

Is there anyway possible if NS, despite them losing money at the moment but possibly when they recover, to re-electrify former Pensy freight lines as well as a few spurs off of any electrified ex-Pensy or ex-Reading lines, in order to do something similar to what NICTD has done and maybe convert any geeps or SDs or anything which uses those lines while operating under the wire so they could be more efficient and pollute less?

[mcgrath618]

On the Chicagoland Commuter & Transit page, I have noticed that one of the threads shows a recently rebuilt NICTD 1000 with a pantagraph as it usually runs within electrified territory for the South Shore Line.

(Image from the thread): http://www.railroad.net/download/file.p ... &mode=view

Is there anyway possible if NS, despite them losing money at the moment but possibly when they recover, to re-electrify former Pensy freight lines as well as a few spurs off of any electrified ex-Pensy or ex-Reading lines, in order to do something similar to what NICTD has done and maybe convert any geeps or SDs or anything which uses those lines while operating under the wire so they could be more efficient and pollute less?

Re-electrification? In America? Surely you jest.

In all seriousness, Conrail should've never taken the copper down in the first place.

[eolesen]

Uh, the pantograph on the GP38 is for removing ice. Only.

[chrisf]

On the Chicagoland Commuter & Transit page, I have noticed that one of the threads shows a recently rebuilt NICTD 1000 with a pantagraph as it usually runs within electrified territory for the South Shore Line.

(Image from the thread): http://www.railroad.net/download/file.p ... &mode=view

Is there anyway possible if NS, despite them losing money at the moment but possibly when they recover, to re-electrify former Pensy freight lines as well as a few spurs off of any electrified ex-Pensy or ex-Reading lines, in order to do something similar to what NICTD has done and maybe convert any geeps or SDs or anything which uses those lines while operating under the wire so they could be more efficient and pollute less?

The pantograph does not likely power the locomotive.

[lvrr325]

Going to guess as noted the pan is for clearing ice, it may also be needed to make the signal system work properly.

Traction motors on diesels run a different operating voltage than overhead puts out, in fact something like a GG1 can no longer be run because they've changed the power supply since those were in common use.

[bostontrainguy]

Yeah the MBTA in Boston has a similar situation where they have a diesel "Ice Cutter" that is used to clear the trolley wires of ice.

4156484920_4336d0afcd_n.jpg (22.27 KiB) Viewed 2536 times

[Pensyfan19]

In that case has there been any case of a dual-mode diesel to overhead wire switcher, or at least a diesel converted into an electric unit? I think one example would be the Oregon Pacific SW1, but three might be a few others. If not, then is there any way if this can be possible to any of NS's locomotives for local service on existing electrified territory which NS runs on?

[mmi16]

On the Chicagoland Commuter & Transit page, I have noticed that one of the threads shows a recently rebuilt NICTD 1000 with a pantagraph as it usually runs within electrified territory for the South Shore Line.

(Image from the thread): http://www.railroad.net/download/file.p ... &mode=view

What is the purpose of the platforms that have been constructed on top of the locomotive's cab?

[eolesen]

What is the purpose of the platforms that have been constructed on top of the locomotive's cab?

Looks like it might be for PTC gear?

[MACTRAXX]

Everyone: I took notice to this CSS GP38-2 in the Chicagoland Forum.
The original topic is primarily about the vintage origins of the color scheme.

A regular assignment for this unit most likely is the Wire (maintenance) Train.
Another use of the pantograph may be to check wire alignment and contact.

Wires that are out of alignment can cause damage to both the catenary and
pantograph(s) especially when proper contact can not be maintained at speed.

With the mention of overhead wire and traction motor voltages in this case CSS&SB
uses 1500 VDC overhead which would need to be stepped down to 600 VDC with any
modification creating a "GP38-2DM". The difference would be 900 volts DC lower.

This would be an interesting experiment - provided it would not be too costly and the
equipment needed to lower the DC voltage does not add significant weight to the unit.

CSS #1000 is in any case a unique locomotive...MACTRAXX