Re: Fuel efficiencies of 422s

[craigd@lios.apana.org.au (C. Dewick)]

james_ccj@my-deja.com writes:

>> So what does this all mean.
>> Countrylinks 422s are totally stuffed and incredibly fuel inefficient.

Only because they are not receiving the maintenance that they deserve. Now
that the 422's and the 80's are in the twilight of their career as
heavy-haul locos, they are getting as little maintenance as possible. Just
like the 44's were getting in the early 1990's before they were all sold off
in 1994.

422's are great engines if looked after, and I believe that they would be
able to challenge 81's, etc. for fuel efficiency if maintained properly.

>> 422s dont like light loads .

422's work very well with light loads - hence the reason they found so much
favour as sprint passenger locos. Their acceleration characteristic sets
them apart from a lot of similar vintage machines.

On the other hand, the 80's, which slow on the acceleration, are like most
other Alco-based locos in that their haulage capacity at low speed far
outstrips that of most other locos of similar vintage and tractive effort.

>Not many good ones left within Freight corp....80 class is even worst!
>81 and 82 and 90 are working hard on the front line.
>Seriously, the ultimate solution for Broken Hill and Griffth service is
>order new Explorers.

Explorers would not handle the trip to Broken Hill, but they might do for
the run to Griffith. The Comet did so well because it was designed to run in
hot, dry conditions that are prevelant west of Parkes all the time. And it
had been running since 1937 (until 1989).

Regards,

Craig.
--
            Craig Ian Dewick            |       Stand clear - jaws closing
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