What's this on an NS unit?

chessie Mar 4, 2006

  1. chessie

    chessie TrainBoard Supporter

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    I recently caught an NS unit with an extra "box"....
    [​IMG]

    Can anyone identify what the box is???

    Harold
     
  2. chessie

    chessie TrainBoard Supporter

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    Robbman??? I checked other pictures of D9's and did not see the same box...

    Harold
     
  3. chessie

    chessie TrainBoard Supporter

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    I stand corrected.... I have a couple of other units that I have had (so far) reviewed... A couple others that I shot in December 2005 seem to have the same box...

    Harold
     
  4. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    [​IMG] Could this be something added, for use with equipment such as, or similar to DPU?

    [​IMG]

    Boxcab E50
     
  5. Robbman

    Robbman TrainBoard Member

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    IIRC, external APU conversion...
     
  6. chessie

    chessie TrainBoard Supporter

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    That's interesting... the only units I have spotted it on (in my photos) are older D940-CW's....

    Harold
     
  7. chessie

    chessie TrainBoard Supporter

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    It looks like a professional conversion (based on the handrails...)

    Harold
     
  8. Robbman

    Robbman TrainBoard Member

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    Makes sense... the latest orders already have internal APUs...
     
  9. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    APU? As in Auxilliary Power Unit? If so, what is it's use?

    [​IMG]

    Boxcab E50
     
  10. Rule 281

    Rule 281 TrainBoard Member

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    In theory, the APU allows the prime mover to automatically shut down after a brief idle period to reduce emissions. The small pony motor then kicks on as needed to keep the batteries charged and oil and water warm without burning as much fuel as the main engine. The new units have auto-start that fires everything back up if you move the reverser or throttle but most of the add-on packs have to be started manually at the start station in back. It's a lot of plumbing and wiring that seems to not be real reliable yet.
     
  11. JASON

    JASON TrainBoard Supporter

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    Dont they usually place the APU's within the engine compartment?
    Looks more like a add-on DPU unit?
    Or more processor power,Apple/Mac? lol.
     
  12. sd70mac

    sd70mac TrainBoard Member

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    I don't have a clue, but I'm sticking with my theory that it is a radar detector package so the train doesn't blast through a speed trap.
     
  13. Rule 281

    Rule 281 TrainBoard Member

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    On older GMs the APU is in the back behind the air compressor. No room back there on the GEs so they stuck them on the walkway.
     
  14. chessie

    chessie TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thanks for the info!

    Harold
     
  15. chessie

    chessie TrainBoard Supporter

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    If it stays on many parts of NS, it won't have to worry about "speeding" [​IMG]

    Harold
     
  16. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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  17. sd70mac

    sd70mac TrainBoard Member

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    If it stays on many parts of NS, it won't have to worry about "speeding" [​IMG]

    Harold
    </font>[/QUOTE]It usually is in unfamiliar territory when you most need such a device. :D
     
  18. chessie

    chessie TrainBoard Supporter

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    No doubt... :D
     

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