2nd hand air crap

[Richard <richard_snook@primus.com.au>]

This phenomena is the instance where as one locomotive follows another, it is essentially slip-streaming it. As a result
the following loco does not get access to the smae clean, cooler (relatively ) air that the lead loco enjoys. 
Asa result the heat tranfering capabilities are impaired and cooling efficiency lowered as it is ingesting "warmed"air
from the preceding locomotives radiator exhaust.
This situation is especially occurrent when the radiator modules of locomotives are in close proximity...as in back to
back for some models.

If you are operating in a warm air environment to start then, any hindrance to efficient cooling is very much of a
concern.

This concern is borne out by the various depts entrusted with this element of design at Clyde's, Goninans. GE, and GM.
but what the f#@* would they know they only make the silly things!!

Inefficient cooling in a locomotive is a very serious area of effect.

Some ideas towards bettering the situation involve small wind deflectors to invoke minor air turbulence and so breaking
up this warmer, 2nd hand air..this has to be wieghed against creating drag, but this is not so much of a concern for
lower speed freighht locomotives

Indeed this is not the only area of design addressed when designing cooling systems, but it is a factor none the less,
not critical , but contributing!!

cheers >:~)) Richard
Ron Howship wrote:
> 
> What a crook of shit.
> They did not run elephant in case of "blowing up".
> It was simply the way that best suited the crew putting them together or for system
> requirements.
> 
> And whats this second hand air crap?
> Regards
> Ron.
> 
> David Johnson wrote:
> 
> > Richard wrote:
> >
> > > Do NR's run "elephant" style or back to back??
> > > The 2nd unit is probably geting 2nd hand air if running back to back.
> >
> > They used to run elephant in case the lead one blew up and needed to be detached.
> >
> > --
> > David Johnson
> > trainman@ozemail.com.au
> > http://www.ozemail.com.au/~trainman/