Boosters/Slugs (Was RE: BU1)

["Melanie J. Dennis" <meld.asg@netspeed.com.au>]

Aus loco discussion mailing list

Is BU1 the only 'BU' now running?  Where are the other three?  Are there plans to re-visit the booster principle?

As an aside, back in 1993, AN Tasrail were actively considering the Tractive Effort Booster principle as it was about to be trialled by AN mainland.  It was felt the Tasmanian track topology provided the perfect environment to make best use of booster slugs. The preferred option was to use the eight 'Y' class as YS class slugs - each YS was to be coupled between two ZA/ZB types.  Surplus 'Z' types (in reality, probably ZC class) were also considered suitable for slugs but the available alternator outputs of the 'master' ZA/ZB classes would have been a limiting factor (each would have to supply three extra traction motors in a ZS instead two for a YS).

The overall goals were:
a) Lower fuel consumption which had risen 15% between 1987/88 to 1991-92.  This was caused partly by withdrawal of 830 class and replacement with additional 'Z' types.  AN Tasrail felt that 2 x 'Z' class hauled lower loads than 3 x 830 although they had 45% more power at their disposal.
b) Use of slugs would release older 'Z' types for retirement - again, saving fuel.  Things were that desperate!

The preservation groups that now have 'Y' class locos possibly don't realise how close they came to losing them...

Melanie Dennis
Australian Steam Group
meld.asg@netspeed.com.au
   


-----Original Message-----
From:	Justin Cheary [SMTP:alco251_244@hotmail.com]
Sent:	Wednesday, 23 February, 2000 1:05 PM
To:	Ausloco@listbot.com
Subject:	BU1

Aus loco discussion mailing list

to ausloco discussion mailing list


evening all,

Today BU1 ran a load trial trip to Petwood and return with ALF20 and ALF25. 
The train left Dry Creek at 0830 this morning and returned about 1730. The 
train number was 3113/3112. I hope this is of any interest to anyone.
Cheers,
Justin Cheary
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