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RE: Boosters/Slugs (Was RE: BU1)

Aus loco discussion mailing list

The 'Y' wouldn't actually MU with the 'Z'.  A Slug is not a locomotive in the true sense.

The traction motors of the 'YS' would be connected across the output of the 'Z' alternators as an additional motor group.  
Each 'Y' bogie has two traction motors - as a YS, these motors would be electrically connected in series then each YS bogie (traction motor pair) would be connected in parallel with the existing traction motor groups across the alternator output on the respective 'Z' in a Z - YS - Z set-up.

Therefore, they would receive the same alternator output voltage as the Master 'Z' class traction motor groups (3 parallel groups of two motors in series) but the alternator would be required to supply extra current to support the new load of 4 parallel groups of two motors in series.  There would be some switchgear on the slug and motor blowers for cooling but the existing body work becomes largely redundant.  The slug is not 'in circuit' all the time, only when the locos require additional tractive effort as when starting, or on banks.

It's a principle of utilising the residual capacity of the engine/alternator to obtain a higher tractive effort from an extra bogie - on it's own, the 'Z' can't utilise all it's available power due to the HP/weight ratio being out of kilter.  This is one reason why the 'ZA' class (originally 2,350hp) were derated to match the 'Z" class (1,800hp) - they didn't have the weight to make best use of the horsepower on tap for the local conditions.

That's why 3 x 830's (which have excellent low speed tractive effort characteristics) will dig in and slug it out whereas 2 x 'Z' will be slippery with the same load.  There are less axles for more horsepower (if given axleloadings don't vary greatly between the two designs).    Hope this clarifies.

Melanie Dennis
Australian Steam Group
meld.asg@netspeed.com.au
   
-----Original Message-----
From:	ben scaro [SMTP:bscaro@hotmail.com]
Sent:	Wednesday, 23 February, 2000 12:54 PM
To:	Ausloco@listbot.com
Subject:	Re: Boosters/Slugs (Was RE: BU1)

Aus loco discussion mailing list

I'm not sure of the mechanics of it, but what work would be needed to enable 
a Y to mu with a Z ?

Cheers

Ben



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