Traction-Motor-Series-Part-8.mpg

[slowpoke96Z28]

once it seated properly, is it just weight of the locomotive that keeps it together? what retains it?

[pwalpar]

The center plate inserts into a bowl on the truck bolster. There are retainer bolts keeping it together

[enahcs]

That was incredible. It isn't often to be treated to such a display. We just had a major track overhaul here where I live with all new sleepers put in on about a 5 or 6 mile stretch of UP mainline. It is amazing how fast they move to re-open the line. The track grinders are waiting their turn, I hope to get some video of them in action.

[pwalpar]

Thanks :-) Im always hoping to get some railfan action

[gabrieltecnicoinf]

very crazy!!!!

[pwalpar]

Thanks for watching :-)

[traindude32]

New SD unit or just repairing it?

[pwalpar]

repairing it Thanks

[elijahtrain234]

cool

[pwalpar]

Thank You :-)

[belzelga2]

Nice series. On a different note what's the likelihood of a locomotive getting a flat spotted wheel?

[pwalpar]

Thanks, its not real common but it happens

[belzelga2]

@pwalpar So I guess they would run them with a flat spotted wheel if is not longer than whats allowed

[pwalpar]

I think thy would put some of those new grinding shoes on it to turn it round again LOL

[lewisfam23]

Sweet video man keep em coming

[pwalpar]

Thanks I appreciate it

[MrJimmybgood]

very cool and very nice to see this thank you.

[pwalpar]

Thanks for commenting

[SPAGHETTIMONSTER1]

pretty neat being a fly on the wall! :0),.. thanks for uploading these

[pwalpar]

Thanks for watching :-)

[oldtoot]

This has to be one of the most interesting and enlightening video series on U-Tube. I have subscribed and hope to see more.

[pwalpar]

Thanks I appreciate the compliment my friend,

[mitchWhiteLIRC]

What was pushing the wheel truck in place?

[pwalpar]

Thanks They had a winch cable attached to it

[trevorfox1112]

nice video my friend thanks for shareing it with us

[pwalpar]

Thanks,  I appreciate it :-)

[georei]

great 8 part series. i always wondered how they would do that out on the line. thank you for your effort.

[pwalpar]

Thanks, I appreciate it :-)

[VTSPQR]

@pwalpar

This was an excellent documentary! Thanks for taking the time sharing it. =)

[pwalpar]

Thanks for watching my friend :-)

[blowemall]

Thank you for the whole series, it was the most important video on traction motors that I have ever seen.

[pwalpar]

I thank you kindly for the compliment

[ATSF1927]

I got to operate an old Steam powered Derrick to lift an old emd e5 so the carknockers could replace traction motors. great film walter.

[pwalpar]

LOL Your giving away your age Don, LOL Steam derricks been gone a while

[rocintrucker83021227]

Is that a costom crane for this type of job? The carrier is so small I can't belive something that small can lift half the weight of a locomotive. I would think this type of job would be a in shop repair. I know they use side boom dozers for derail clean up but those dozers weigh at least 100,000 lbs. Nice vid man I would never belive 200+ tons could be lifted by a crane that small

[pwalpar]

If you boom up to get as closest as you can to the load, as you can get, it awesome how much a crane will lift.

Thanks

[rocintrucker83021227]

@pwalpar Yea, this is true but this looks like mabie a 15-25 ton crane. I see it has extra snach blocks and a very heavy boom. Just that the carrier the truck part is so light. I would think it would have huge counter weights that would need a much heavyer truck to carry it. But if its built just to dead lift from the back it would not need counter weights cause the boom don't rotate a load. Thanks!

[TheRantingCabbie]

Walter: It kinda looks like a winch of some kind is pulling the trucks into place. However, I once heard that it's possible to hook up an arc welder to the traction motors to get them to move. Is that possible?

[pwalpar]

LOL I have used an arc welder to start a locomotive with a dead battery, and I wouldnt rule out someone silly enough to attach a welder to a traction motor. It pretty dumb to risk damaging an expensive traction motor however LOL Thanks for watching

[pwalpar]

Thanks Anthony I appreciate it

[donsgotmoney]

Walter I am really glad you are a railfanning person, Im sure many people over the years have often wondered how they change out a tractive motor and you have given them a much better understanding. You have also given me an idea for my HO layout that was missing. The inman yard and a couple of engine cranes, it will look good. ty

[pwalpar]

Thanks Don, im glad you liked it

[myrro666]

what's the weight of a simple wheel? just wondering...

[pwalpar]

I dont know the weight of a simple wheel but they are pressed on an axles and a simple set of wheels would be well over a ton so these traction motor sets weight considerably more

[MrAxeEdent]

@myrro666 If you are asking about a traction motor, those weigh about 14,000 lbs. Just a wheel alone, you are looking at close to 4,000 lbs each.

[themadkettler]

why do they not limp the loco back to the shop, will the flat spots damage the rails or shake up the loco? Wouldnt it be more cost effective, or is the loco shop too far away?

[pwalpar]

I dont know for sure but they were concerned about the flat wheels

[walkerbelle]

Thanks for that info Walter. I'll be sure to look into that the next time I'm down at the BNSF yard in Temple. BTW, I sent you a private message concerning the DVD idea mentioned in one of your other videos. Thanks again for the great videos and please keep 'em coming! Walker.

[scott93257]

And that is one heck of a crane to lift that engine.... I am fascinated by trains... my best friend is a diesel mechanic and works on trains... She loves it...One time she took me on a walkthrough into the engine room.... To my surprise and sheer amazement (at the size of the engine) it was a 20V710....HUGE!!!...And it was idling

[pwalpar]

They are awesome for sure, thanks for watching

[walkerbelle]

This is another cool video you've shared with us, thanks. I've been told the traction motors are not actually attached to the locomotive itself? Other than the electrical & air connections, the weight of the locomotive itself is what holds the traction motors to the power unit? Is that correct my friend? BTW, I've subscribed to your channel cuz this is really interesting stuff! Thanks again for taking the time to share with us. I've learned a great deal about RR'ing on YouTube.

[pwalpar]

That;s not exactly true. Most freight cars are in fact just sitting on the bolster by gravity, but locomotives have a locking plate keeping them physically attached by several big bolts.preventing them from lifting off the bolster your question is a good one,. If you get a chance to look under a locomotive you can see the attachment just above the truck sides.,

[theratfarmer]

i miss working with true leaders.

[pwalpar]

Thanks for watching

[theratfarmer]

one pin? this camera operator just knows what the hell is going on. why are not you working out there.

[pwalpar]

Retired on disability, The job is rough on the human anatomy LOL

[JohnnyNCindy]

I just finished the series and I must have missed something. What was powering the truck under the loco?

I love this kind of work, I wish I could work on this crew, but I don’t think someone my age would stand a chance up against those young guys. (LOL)

This is a great series thanks. I especially like how you added the index in to the comments so that we can move along in the correct sequence. Unfortunately YouTube doesn’t always make it easy to advance to the next one. 

[pwalpar]

Your correct about it being hard to navigate, that why I include the links when I do a series. As to the power, question. The wheels are actually electric motors and are referred to as traction motors. There is a wire connecting them to the generators in the locomotive

[JohnnyNCindy]

@pwalpar Thanks for clearing that up for me. I never knew that these powerful locomotives were actually powered by electric motors. I’ve heard people talking about traction motors and even saw a replacement operation on a BNSF siding once, but nobody was alowed to get close. I was under the impression that they had another function. Well this explains a lot of questions I’ve had over the years now that I know that they are not gear driven. I never could figure out how a gear box fit in..

[JetMechMA]

What about the other wheel assembly? Are they made to be tilted at that much of an angle without dislodging something? I would think they would need to closely watch the other set of traction motors to make sure that everything aligns as they lower down onto the new wheel assembly.

[pwalpar]

Your right to be concerned about the other end. Nothing will dislodge but it can get off the tracks

[meccaturbo]

ex N&W SD40-2

[pwalpar]

Thanks for watching  SD40's are awesome locomotives

[juvmol]

i did get to miss something like this here in town couple of years ago

[pwalpar]

Thanks Juvmol:-)

[38911bytefree]

Excelent vid !!!!!! Many  Thanks

[pwalpar]

Thanks I appreciate it

[moonwalker5058]

Awesome!!!

[pwalpar]

Thanks Manny:-) 

[MonsterRailroad]

Hot ass video!!!

[pwalpar]

thank you

[offamychain]

Just sit it down, tighten the little piece of baling wire with a pair of pliers, drive on down the tracks, no problem.

[pwalpar]

LOL Yep anything can be fixed with some wire. Thanks for watching

[Knobiwurscht]

Very good Clip!

[pwalpar]

Thank you Kai

[jusprazem]

@pwalpar they should have called me..i would have lifted it up for them...i've been to the weight room

[pwalpar]

Must be quite a training program you have LOL Thanks for watching

[fidgitwarren]

CLASSIC!!! 

[pwalpar]

Thank you very much

[wasted6666]

That was awesome what did they put power to the motors when the trucks drove into place thanks for checking those bearings out it was cold out there no gloves or tri pod & a slow train thanks for your comment & rating

[pwalpar]

Thanks Brendan

[pwalpar]

Thanks Allan, Having people like it, makes all the time I spent making these videos feel worthwhile

[curraheewolf]

Hey, that was awsome! I really liked that. Keep up the good work and Happy Railroading!!!

Gary

[pwalpar]

Thanks Gary, I will certainly keep trying my best.

[scottishrailways]

that was awesome!! hey walter guess what happened over here. a new class 70 loco from the usa was gettin lifted by crane of a cargo ship and the chain snapped and the loco dropped down back into the hold! i imagine it would be a right off lol

[pwalpar]

That sounds like quite an accident Richard, it would have made a good video too lol

[ergatis1001]

great footage very interesting to see how they did this.

[pwalpar]

Thanks friend

[Bahnchef1994]

Good video.5*

[pwalpar]

Thank you Patrick

[meloderon]

Great movie,

I watched it with my mouth wide open.

That's the way I repair my bike :-)))))

[pwalpar]

Thanks for watching

[fire3fighter343]

YEA IT LOOKS THAT WAY ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU DEALIN WITH SO MUCH HEAVY IRON TOO WOW KEEP AMERICAN RUNNING BUDDY N TY YOU GUYS AGAIN

[pwalpar]

Thanks my friend

[fire3fighter343]

DANG IMPRESSIVE THEY MAKE IT LOOK SO EASY HAHA

[pwalpar]

Thanks they do but some of the jobs involve considerable danger, I know from experience

[trainfart]

Very interesting film!

[pwalpar]

Thank you

[epistte]

Thank you for filming operation this so those of us who do not work in the industry can learn what is involved in changing a traction motor.

Were the Hulcher employees welcoming to you recording their work?

[pwalpar]

Thanks foe watching. They Hulcher men were quite polite and I had no complaints.

[pwalpar]

Krzyszto

[broken4813]

I can't believe that little crane can lift that much. he's gotta be pickin somewhere around 150-160,000 lbs.

[pwalpar]

It was a heavy lift. The trick is get close as possible

[justkiddin08]

Nice job on this video!!

[pwalpar]

Thanks,  I appreciate it :-)

[WoelkerVideo]

Great video. Very interesting serie Walter.

[pwalpar]

Thanks Gunter :-)

[pwalpar]

Thanks Tim

[JayJr2007]

Great video!

[pwalpar]

Thanks Jason

[ADMIRALSCORNER]

Not many people get a chance to see things like this. Thanks Walter. Into my favourites straight away!

[pwalpar]

Thanks Michael, Im delighted you liked it

[TheMrBlinx]

Very cool. Thanks! Sitting here hungry because I'm too fascinated to stop watching and eat something. :-)

[pwalpar]

Thanks Skipper, I am delighted you liked me video but i'm sorry you went hungry to see it LOL Thats about the most awesome compliment anyone could make...o(◕␣~)o

[TheMrBlinx]

@pwalpar I love watching things being made or fixed or operated, especially trains.

I also watched your idler wheel replacement series, but I can't figure why they are replacing drive motors with idlers? "Down sizing"?

[pwalpar]

No not downsizing. The traction motors were sent ahead for repairs, and the idler wheels which were not slid flat like the ones they removed, allowed the locomotive to be towed to the shop for repair. I guess they didnt have any new traction motors

[pwalpar]

Thanks for watching my videos

[SD457500]

Nice video, very interesting to watch!

[pwalpar]

Thanks, I am glad you liked it

[slinky460]

Really nice, educational too, thanks.

[pwalpar]

Thank you for watching

[bnsfman17]

That was awesome, never seen it done b4. Thanks

[pwalpar]

Thanks very much for watching, I appreciate it

[graememg]

Absolutely fascinating series of video's for changing and installing traction motors. Was a pleasure to watch 5 *****

[pwalpar]

Thanks for the compliment, I appreciate it

[quaddoctor24]

The wheels look like their close to 1 inch reading. It took that along to set the stump into the center casting

[pwalpar]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[formidable38]

This is the most interesting series of video's ive seen round here for a while!

Thanks for taking the time to capture them!

[pwalpar]

Thanks so much for the compliment. Im glad you liked it

[DouglasP201]

What they do with the old traction motors?

[pwalpar]

The motors which are valued at around 75000 dollars are usually rebuilt in the motor shop.

[megatwingo]

That was a really nice series, Walter.

5*****!

I´ll watch the idler wheel series next.

[pwalpar]

Thanks Ingo, I do appreciate it

[robmasterman]

What an excellent series Walter, informative and produced with great camera work, which kept the viewer fully informed of every part of this intricate manoeuvre. Congratulations to those boys for working so hard in such difficult conditions. A success all round Walter..very well done indeed...5* Bob

[pwalpar]

I do thank you kind sir. I do know A bit about this type work LOL so knowing A lot about it, makes it easier to make the video

[johnwood57]

That has been a terrific series Walter,i have never seen them replace traction motors before never knew how they did it thanks for taking the time to produce such a great series5*.............John

[pwalpar]

Thank You John for watching

[irishmanO1]

awesome series i really enjoyed watching the SD40-2 get new traction motors you did a great job on this series thanks for shareing and keep up the great work.

[pwalpar]

Thanks Patrick,  I am glad you liked my video series. My friends liking it makes the work I put into it worthwhile :-)

[modemeyes]

Thanks Walter for the insight & series. I'm guessing but the wheel replacement took just one day?  5*

[pwalpar]

Yes Mike they finished it that day and the next day they did my next series I will upload soon

[Railhead1956]

Awesome videos Walter

[pwalpar]

Thank You peter

[happyhappycatt]

Who takes it for a test drive after the repairs are complete,one of the repair crew or an engineer from NS.

[pwalpar]

Most Likely its A railroad machinest who will get it ready for the engineers

[kncwheeler]

are ac and dc motors similar? and which are these?

[pwalpar]

An Electrician I aint LOL Thanks for watching

[JKelcy]

Walter, Thanks for your time standing in the cold and a five star production! Things like this we do not see everyday and it was great to have a video camera to catch it all!

[pwalpar]

Thanks Earle, I am delighted you liked it. I appreciate the compliment

[iusetano]

Fantastic series Walter. One of a kind. Great work on the fiming, editing and narration. Thanks for keeping it interesting. Excellent*****

[pwalpar]

Thanks for the support Hans,  I do appreciate it

[TamrynRimfire]

That was well worth the wait to finally see the wheels go under. Its been a great series Walter thanks very much for sharing it with us 5*

[pwalpar]

Thanks Martyn for being part of it by the great support youve given me. Hope you enjoyed it :-)

[Javerrijumar28]

Thats ok walter.just keep them coming.True railFan.

[tempjohn1111]

Great series Walter. 5*

[pwalpar]

Thank You John

[Javerrijumar28]

Great Series walter..looking forward to the next..5 star production ..

[pwalpar]

Thanks Darrell for watching this series of videos, Sorry they were so long but it couldnt be helped

[ConrailSD80MAC]

It's been a great series to watch, I can't wait for the next series. -Mark

[pwalpar]

Thank You Mark, Your kindness is appreciated