XPT VP185 engines

[dbromage@fang.omni.com.au (David Bromage)]

Had a report that the new Paxman 12VP185 in XP2016 was started for the
first time on 23 June. It had a light load on the auxiliary alternator and
was tested up to 1500rpm.

The VP185 starts smoothly and runs with very little vibrator. It's
possible to stand a 50c piece on the turbocharger box and it will spin on
its edge without falling over.

A complication in the retrofit was the complex ducting from the dust
filters. The old Valenta only had a single turbocharger, but the VP185 has
four low pressure and two high pressure turbochargers. The problem was
eventually solved and the associated intercooler and aftercooler are all
accessible.

It also has a Regulatuers Europa Viking control equipment and monitoring
system, which provides a remote display of engine condition through a
radio phone link. The antenna is towards the rear. There is also a GPS
transponder which is integrated with the diagnostic system. During the
test, the system identified that Broadmeadow was the nearest major
station. The current speed, temperatures and pressures are constantly
transmitted back to the depot.

There is a docking station for a laptop computer in the control cabinet
for use during routine servicing and prior to heavy maintenance.

Cheers
David