Scans from a small 4 1/2 x 7 inch book of Frisco diesel locomotive tonnage limits and tonnage ratings. Ted Ferkenhoff Flagstaff, AZ
Thanks for posting this information, Ted. This is the kind of stuff that I look forward to seeing on this forum. |-|
It appears that 15,000 horsepower is a self-imposed limit. That is quite a bit of power to concentrate on the headend of a train. I don't have a copy handy, but I'm sure the Frisco air brake and train handling instructions would shed some more light on this subject. The appropriate section in the special intructions might have some info as well.
Actually no, if 15,000 is the max. 4*3600= 14,400. There is another rule that states that you can not have more than 3 six-axle engine put together with out a four-axle in between each 3. Example: If you wanted 5 SD45 on lead (this is over the power limit) you would have 3 SD45's, a GP38AC, -2 or a GP35, then the 2 other SD45's. Hope this was of some help. Ethan
Here are the Special Instruction regarding consist make-up from ETT #3, Jan 1975 and from ETT#4, Apr 1979. One Saturday my brother and I were helping my dad set some center stakes for a soon to be built industrial spur, which was being built near Cross Over C; it may have been the RCA lead. FSE appeared with 4, 6-axle units. It stopped at the A-block, and since my dad had his pack-set with him, and we could the the discussion between the DS and the train crew. For whatever reason the train left Rosedale with the four units, and the DS wanted the crew to set-out one of the UP units, before continuing south. One of the UP units was set-out for a northbound train to return to KC, and FSE headed south.
Karl, thanks for posting the SI info. Unfortunately, I did not see any reference to the 15,000 hp limit. The bulk of the info is in reference to locomotives with non-alignment control couplers. These types of couplers are prone to jack-knifing when making heavy shoving moves. The bulk of the units in question must be GP7s. The other issue mentioned was the number of six-axle units that could be coupled in succession. This would have been done to reduce the axle loading on bridges, etc. I think we need a little input from some former Frisco hogheads. They should know about the 15,000 hp limit. |-|
Pardon the OT post, but that is a fun "take your kid to work" kind of day! Somehow, Ben does not get terribly excited about following Dad to work in an insurance company training center. Karl, I think I may have found the SE Missourian article announcing your father's transfer to the River Division. Best Regards,
