Re: Status of the ELS

[mauried@commslab.gov.au (Maurie Daly)]

In article <37DF5316.8E69A21A@omni.com.au> David Bromage <dbromage@omni.com.au> writes:
>Date: Wed, 15 Sep 1999 18:04:40 +1000
>From: David Bromage <dbromage@omni.com.au>
>Subject: Re: Status of the ELS

>Maurie Daly wrote:

>> All the ELs are to be upgraded for freight working and made available for
>> lease to who ever wants them by end of this year.
>> Engines will be completely overhauled, new traction control 
>                                         ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>Dash-9?

>> and re gearing of the traction motors to increase tractive effort.

>I'm guessing this means 115km/h. Still suitable for hauling a standard
>gauge Queenslander.

>Cheers
>David


The article is a little vague on exactly what is being done.
Completely re furbished new engines , upgraded Dash-8 computer technology 
"what ever that means", new gear sets , still ideal for both pass and freight.
Not clear whether the narrow guage traction motors are being replaced,although 
to get significantly more tractive effort than the current pathetic 197 kn you 
would need bigger ones , at least NR type or the big GE752 type like BHPS 
CM-40s have got.
The light axle load needs increasing somehow to get a bit more grunt.
A bigger fuel tank would also help.

MD