EMD Test cars

[PRRGuy]

I'm not too familiar with the new locomotive break-in testing so I've got a few questions.

1: What exactly do the "Test" cars do, I've seen photos of one between 2 or 3 new units.

2: Whats inside these cars?

3: Were they built as test cars or were they picked up from Amtrak and rebuilt? Whats the history of them?

4: How many of these cars does EMD own?

Thanks in advance for the info

PrrGuy

[ExEMDLOCOTester]

I'm not too familiar with the new locomotive break-in testing so I've got a few questions.

1: What exactly do the "Test" cars do, I've seen photos of one between 2 or 3 new units.

2: Whats inside these cars?

3: Were they built as test cars or were they picked up from Amtrak and rebuilt? Whats the history of them?

4: How many of these cars does EMD own?

Thanks in advance for the info

PrrGuy

Locomotive break in is accomplished by the engine test department (test cells), and the Locomotive is Tested by the Locomotive test department long before the unit leaves the property

I lived on EMD test cars and it is an experience I will treasure forever.

1: What exactly do the "Test" cars do, I've seen photos of one between 2 or 3 new units.
The test car electronic and digital collection systems monitor Locomotive performance and measure draw bar forces.

2: Whats inside these cars?

Data collection as described above, living quarters and the most scenic BBQ porch on rails.

3: Were they built as test cars or were they picked up from Amtrak and rebuilt? Whats the history of them?

820 was aquired from a road and in operation before AMTRAK. (I'll get back to you after I do some research.)

4: How many of these cars does EMD own?

I'll get back to you after I do some research.

Edits in RED

[ExEMDLOCOTester]

This link has pics of the EMD Test fleet minus the Locomotives with the exception of Unit 909 that was a "B" unit.

http://www.northeast.railfan.net/equipment2.html

http://www.trainweb.org/passengercars/Indices/E.htm

While I was in Engineering the 820 spent most of the Time in Pubelo at the test facility. 800 and 840 were the road warriors during my tour and spent most of the time coupled between two 60 series locomotives.

[PRRGuy]

Wow, that sounds like it must have been an interesting job. I've seen photos of these cars testing locos on CSX Coal trains, so I thought it may have been something about drawbars and such.. That's pretty cool that some of these cars were converted F-E units..although I doubbt any are still around today.


Thanks for the quick replies!

[ExEMDLOCOTester]

Here are some links to threads with pics.

http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewtopi ... highlight=

http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=28758