TheRailwire

General Discussion => Prototype Railroads: News, Photos, Research => Topic started by: CBQ Fan on May 15, 2022, 06:16:09 PM

Title: Kato E Unit - Illinois Central Dynamic Brakes
Post by: CBQ Fan on May 15, 2022, 06:16:09 PM

I just noticed that IC E8A & E8B units are slightly different. The B unit has a dynamic brake but the A units do not. I find that both an odd and interesting prototype choice.  Anyone have any background on this?

Title: Re: Kato E Unit - Illinois Central Dynamic Brakes
Post by: Mark5 on May 15, 2022, 07:16:19 PM

I'm pretty sure that none of IC's E8s had dynamic brakes.

I think the only roads that ordered dynamic brakes on some of their E8s (E8b) are: Milwaukee, Southern, Southern Pacific and Union Pacific.

The likely story here (my guess) is that Kato has not made an E8B shell without dynamic brakes.

Title: Re: Kato E Unit - Illinois Central Dynamic Brakes
Post by: CBQ Fan on May 15, 2022, 09:25:54 PM

That could be very well it. That makes more sense than the IC doing it.

Title: Re: Kato E Unit - Illinois Central Dynamic Brakes
Post by: Tristan Ashcroft on May 16, 2022, 05:46:00 PM

Question from a guy who's barely functionally aware of first generation EMDs: where does one find the dynamic break spotting feature on E8s?

Title: Re: Kato E Unit - Illinois Central Dynamic Brakes
Post by: wcfn100 on May 16, 2022, 05:58:19 PM

Quote from: Tristan Ashcroft on May 16, 2022, 05:46:00 PM

Question from a guy who's barely functionally aware of first generation EMDs: where does one find the dynamic break spotting feature on E8s?

The big fan in the middle of the roof.

(https://trovestardata.com/images/Collections/4/items/170/170837_19.jpg)

Jason

Title: Re: Kato E Unit - Illinois Central Dynamic Brakes
Post by: Tristan Ashcroft on May 17, 2022, 09:28:14 AM

Quote from: wcfn100 on May 16, 2022, 05:58:19 PM

The big fan in the middle of the roof.

Jason

Gotcha, that looks pretty straightforward.

Thanks!

Tristan