Is there someone who knows about the Kennecott electric locos built by GE in 1937, which operate on 750 Volts DC? We have two on the Nevada Northern Railway, a heavy (80 tons?) one and a lighter one.

What current is needed to operate one of them with a light load on a 3/4 mile spur? What is available for the catenary?

I don't know how serious we are about this project; good information would provide incentive.

Best Regards.

nnry3@mwpower.net

> Is there someone who knows about the
> Kennecott electric locos built by GE in
> 1937, which operate on 750 Volts DC? We have
> two on the Nevada Northern Railway, a heavy
> (80 tons?) one and a lighter one.

> What current is needed to operate one of
> them with a light load on a 3/4 mile spur?
> What is available for the catenary?

The simple answer is that there might not be a simple answer. First, determine the model number of the motors (probably four of 'em). Then there are several widely available handbooks like Ritchie that have listings of the motors and their rated current draw at a given voltage. Or simply take the rated HP and determine amps. If you are using light movements you will be within that load, even if not counting other current draws from the loco like air compressor, lighting, etc. Does the engine use full voltage for controls, or perhaps an MG set to drop down voltage for contactors, controllers, etc.? Did it run at 750 volts or the more common nominal 600 volts? In most cases you will be able to move it at the lower 600 volts depending on the accessory loads.

The connections on the motors in the control scheme will have a factor since you must consider series-series, series-parallel, and full parallel possibilities. These in effect reduce the line voltage available at the motor, in each of the configurations.

Any grades or sharp curves will increase resistance and load.

Catenary, per se, is probably not a requirement and simple suspension trolley wire should work with the proper hangers for pantograph operation. Many museums have some spare overhead components for sale or trade; the wire itself should be 000 (minimum) or 0000 (better). For that short distance secondary feeder should not be required.

When you determine the voltage you need, your substation can perhaps be homemade (using an electrical engineer) with the proper AC step down transformers, bridge rectifiers, and switch gear for overload protection. The switchgear should be 'high speed' design to protect a rectifier setup; as much from surges, lightning strikes, and fallen wire as from an overload induced from the loco.

If you want modern stuff in the air I think a division of WABCO still designs and sells such hardware and systems for light rail.

Bob Kutella


68trolley@comcast.net

Chris pagni has hng something 5.5 miles of wire at the Western Railway Museum in the past several years.

The wood poles cost the most, then the copper wire, then the smaller hardware. And you need to own or rent a truck to dig holes place poles etc.

By the way we also have one of those 750 volt Kennecot electric locos. But not from the Ely operation.

Ted Miles


ted_miles@nps.gov

Bob and Ted,

Thank you for your valuable responses.

Jack

nnry3@mwpower.net