Re: What's that noise?

["Ron BEST" <ronbest@bigpond.com>]

It's the same with trams. When accelerating, a high current is drawn from
the overhead. If, for some reason, the driver "notches back", this current
has to be interrupted. The sound you hear and the arc is a result of  the
line-breaker (a large circuit-breaker) opening under heavy current. (BTW,
one of the tram noises I love to hear is that one - in a W tram.)

Ron BEST

Gareth Lumsden <s9763278@minyos.its.rmit.edu.au> wrote in message
Pine.SOL.3.96.990428101855.9453G-100000@minyos.its.rmit.edu.au">news:Pine.SOL.3.96.990428101855.9453G-100000@minyos.its.rmit.edu.au...
>
> All,
>
> Something has got me really huzen lately.
>
> I have always 'accepted' that Melbourne Comeng trains give a loud 'click'
> when the driver notches back while accelerating heavily, but never
> bothered to think why.
>
> What is that 'click' and what causes the huge arc from underneath the
> carriage?????
>
> Thanks,
>
> Gareth.
>
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