RE: (erielack) Wire Train @ Berkeley Heights

["John C. Strole" <strole.jc_@_verizon.net>]

Mark,

The pantograph is to ground the catenary to make sure there are no leakage
voltages or even an error that would energize the catenary.  It does not
provide power to the work train but is solely a safety item.

<><  john  ><> 

IN GOD WE TRUST
    <'}}}>< 
 

- -----Original Message-----
From: Mark Bushnell [mailto:mbushnell_@_mindspring.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 5:47 PM
To: erielack_@_lists.railfan.net
Subject: (erielack) Wire Train @ Berkeley Heights

While waiting for the train @ Berkeley Hts last week, the Wire Train was
parked on the siding across from the station.

One thing that I noticed is that the data plate said that it was built in
Colmar, France.  That doesn't surprise me all that much, since European
Railroads are almost entirely electrified, so one would expect that they
have more experience building/using this type of equipment.

What did surprise me is that just ahead of the work platform to gain access
to the catenary, was a pantograph to obtain power from the catenary.

If workers are on the platform, working on the catenary, I'm assuming that
the power to the catenary is off. If that is the case, how is the Wire Train
getting any power via the pantograph?  Does it also have a diesel engine in
it or is it moved by a diesel locomotive?

Mark Bushnell
mbushnell_@_mindspring.com



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