Abstract: A control system and strategy for starting power systems having a plurality of power modules. For example, a multi-engine generator set switcher locomotive has three power modules each of which have an engine associated therewith. Upon receiving a command from the locomotive indicating to the engine control module to start at least one power module, i.e., engine, the control strategy determines whether to start the engine with an air or electric start. The control strategy starts only a single engine at a time, thereby avoiding overloading the airflow capacity of the compressed air source or the electric power capacity of the electric source. The control strategy also implements a command to start ever engine with an air starter, if possible, to preserve the electric starter motor and the electric power capacity of the electric source.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a traction motor drive system. The traction motor drive system may include a field winding subsystem comprising a field winding associated with a traction motor. The traction motor drive system may also include an armature subsystem arranged in parallel with the field winding subsystem. The armature subsystem may include an armature having first and second armature terminals and a grid resistor selectively electrically coupled in series with the armature. The armature subsystem may also include an armature chopper arranged in parallel with the grid resistor and electrically coupled in series with the armature. The armature chopper may be configured, when the grid resistor is electrically coupled to the armature, to conditionally conduct current to the armature.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a power contactor from an existing contactor having a magnetic amplifier that comprises a blowout coil and a ferromagnetic core, and an arc chute for extinguishing an arc generated by opening the existing contactor under a current load is disclosed. The method includes removing a bolt assembly from the existing contactor and at least one side plate from the existing contactor. The method also includes removing the ferromagnetic core from the existing contactor.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a traction motor drive system. The traction motor drive system may include a field winding subsystem comprising a field winding associated with a traction motor. The traction motor drive system may also include an armature subsystem arranged in parallel with the field winding subsystem. The armature subsystem may include an armature having first and second armature terminals and a grid resistor selectively electrically coupled in series with the armature. The armature subsystem may also include an armature chopper arranged in parallel with the grid resistor and electrically coupled in series with the armature. The armature chopper may be configured, when the grid resistor is electrically coupled to the armature, to conditionally conduct current to the armature.

Abstract: A traction motor drive system may include a plurality of armatures arranged in parallel with each other. The traction motor drive system may also include a plurality of field circuits arranged in series with one another, where each field circuit is associated with a respective one of the armatures. The plurality of field circuits may be arranged in parallel with the plurality of armatures. The traction motor drive system may also include a field isolation system. The field isolation system may include a shunt circuit associated with at least one of the field circuits. The shunt circuit may have a first and second shunt terminal. The field isolation system may also include a first field switch arranged in series with the plurality of field circuits. The first field switch may be configured to switch between the first shunt terminal of the shunt circuit and a first field terminal of at least one of the field circuits.

Abstract: A control system and strategy for starting power systems having a plurality of power modules. For example, a multi-engine generator set switcher locomotive has three power modules each of which have an engine associated therewith. Upon receiving a command from the locomotive indicating to the engine control module to start at least one power module, i.e., engine, the control strategy determines whether to start the engine with an air or electric start. The control strategy starts only a single engine at a time, thereby avoiding overloading the airflow capacity of the compressed air source or the electric power capacity of the electric source. The control strategy also implements a command to start ever engine with an air starter, if possible, to preserve the electric starter motor and the electric power capacity of the electric source.

Abstract: A method for identifying a location of a wheel of a rail vehicle includes producing a first signal representative of a potential difference between leads electrically coupled with a wheel gate transducer and modifying the first signal that is received over a first channel to produce a second signal over a second channel, where the second signal differs from the first signal. The method further includes monitoring the first and second signals over the first and second channels to identify the location of the wheel relative to the wheel gate transducer.

Abstract: A method of operating a power system is provided, the power system having power-system controls. The method may include automatically setting a priority ranking for a plurality of generator units of the power system with the power-system controls based at least in part on an operating parameter of each generator unit indicative of a quantity of work done by the generator unit. The method may also include automatically controlling which of the generator units run with the power-system controls based at least in part on the priority ranking of the generator units.

Abstract: A modular railway diamond crossing incorporates sets of acute and obtuse angle castings. The rail connections to the castings have a fine taper to minimize joint impacts. The castings are spaced apart with a combination of rails and cast blocks. The outside block is a tapered design that maintains the flangeway and holds the castings and rails together. The inside block comprises a tapered common center casting. This unit also maintains the flangeway and a longitudinal distance between the castings. The center casting is a common part to all such crossings regardless of the crossing angle.

Abstract: A system to facilitate reducing false train stops includes an infrared sensor that is coupled to a processing unit. The processing unit is programmed to receive inputs from the sensor, generate a bearing profile using the received inputs, classify the bearing profile as at least one of a typical bearing profile and an atypical bearing profile, and if the bearing profile is classified as a typical bearing profile, analyze the typical bearing profile to determine if at least a portion of the typical bearing profile meets the alarm criteria. A method of reducing train stops and generating maintenance alerts are also described herein.

Abstract: A diesel-electric locomotive has two separate engine systems, including a large engine system and a small engine system. The power output from the separate engine systems may be combined to power the locomotive's traction motors. When the locomotive requires low power output for propulsion, only the small engine system is used to power the traction motors. When the locomotive requires higher power output, only the large engine system is used to power the traction motors. When the locomotive requires maximum power output, the small and the large engine system may both be used and their power output combined to power the traction motors. Also, a unique control strategy maintains a smooth delivery of power to the traction motors in the event that one engine shuts down or starts as a result of a change in the commanded power output of the locomotive.

Abstract: A railroad crossing gate flasher assembly has a sealed, rodent-proof connection for electrical cables that pass from the foundation to a junction box. A clearance between the bottom of the junction box and the top of the foundation is sealed with a plate to prevent rodents from accessing the cables. The seal plate is mounted to the bolts that extend from the foundation and is leveled after it is inserted onto the bolts. The junction box is lowered onto the seal plate and attached to the same bolts so that the junction box also is level. The seal plate has an opening, coupling and conduit for protecting the cables.

Abstract: A rail car with a double longitudinal tub floor. The car may comprise a car body supported on a frame, the principal element of the frame being a longitudinal center sill assembly. The frame is in turn supported on a pair of wheel trucks. The car body includes a pair of generally vertical end wall assemblies joined to a pair of generally vertical side assemblies. The box is closed on the bottom by a floor assembly. The floor assembly includes a pair of longitudinal tubs. The longitudinal tubs are divided into tub segments and supported by cross-bearer assemblies. The cross-bearer assemblies are joined to the center sill assembly. The longitudinal tubs are supported primarily by the center sill assembly, both directly by joining each tub's lateral inboard edge to the center sill, and indirectly by joining the tub's chord end edges to the cross-bearer assemblies. Diagonal braces may be attached to the cross bearer assemblies and the side assemblies to help prevent bowing of the sides.

Abstract: A control system and strategy for starting power systems having a plurality of power modules. For example, a multi-engine generator set switcher locomotive has three power modules each of which have an engine associated therewith. Upon receiving a command from the locomotive indicating to the engine control module to start at least one power module, i.e., engine, the control strategy determines whether to start the engine with an air or electric start. The control strategy starts only a single engine at a time, thereby avoiding overloading the airflow capacity of the compressed air source or the electric power capacity of the electric source. The control strategy also implements a command to start every engine with an air starter, if possible, to preserve the electric starter motor and the electric power capacity of the electric source.

Abstract: An easer rail is mated with the uncut web of a fixed running rail to form a more rigid thermal expansion joint between the fixed rail and a moveable rail. The easer rail has an extension that protrudes into the uncut web the fixed rail. The easer rail extension is machined to be complementary in shape to the uncut web and fits tightly against the flange, the underside of the head, and the base of the uncut web of the fixed rail. Bolt holes are provided through the extension and the easer rail, its extension, and the fixed rail to form multiple bolt joints. The bolted extension not only lengthens the easer rail but locks it in place between the head and base of the fixed rail to provide additional rigidity.

Abstract: An improvement for a railroad tie crane utilizes a movable stop mounted on an elongated member between a pair of cushioned terminals to reduce impact stress on equipment and personnel in situations where the tie crane must be prevented from fouling an adjacent track. The movable stop is selectively engaged by a retractable bar mounted on the rotatable platform carrying the crane boom.

Abstract: A guide rail support assembly includes a brace and a guide rail positioned on the brace. A hook device having a base and two hooks extending from the base and around the brace and secures the guide rail to the brace. The brace has no apertures such that the hooks extend completely around the brace without penetrating any portion of the brace. Adjustment shims are positioned adjacent the brace and a spring clip is mounted adjacent the base and the adjustment shims for securing the hook device to the brace.

Abstract: A guide rail support assembly includes a brace and a guide rail positioned on the brace. A hook device having a base and two hooks extending from the base and around the brace and secures the guide rail to the brace. The brace has no apertures such that the hooks extend completely around the brace without penetrating any portion of the brace. Adjustment shims are positioned adjacent the brace and a spring clip is mounted adjacent the base and the adjustment shims for securing the hook device to the brace.

Abstract: A brace assembly provides support to a railroad rail, such as for a switch. The rail is supported on a tie plate. A wedge block is secured to the tie plate adjacent the rail. A groove is located in the inner wall of the wedge block. The groove extends longitudinally between the side walls and is spaced between the upper and lower sides of the wedge block. A brace has a tapered upper edge and a tapered lower edge that engage the rail. The brace has a tongue that extends outward from the base into the groove. The tongue and groove have widths that decrease from one side to the other. Moving the brace longitudinally relative to the wedge block enables the brace to be wedged between the wedge block and the rail. A spring clip secures the brace to the wedge block.

Abstract: A railway frog has a pair of wing rails with converging and diverging portions. A point member is located between forward portions of the wing rails. The forward portion of at least one of the rails has a section adjacent the point that has the rail head removed. A replaceable wear component having a head is located on an upper surface of the web of the wing rail. The wear component has a skirt that bolts to the flange of the wing rail. The wear component is formed of manganese steel.