Bout an hour ago I caught the Sierra Northern genset #133 at the sanding rack in Roseville,CA. Just a heads up.
Thanks for the "Head-Up" and posting a picture of it. I knew that it was scheduled to leave Oakdale sometime this month (September) but didn't know exactly when. It's headed for West Sacramento and then on to Woodland. Unknown when it will be departing Roseville...
Just a quick update on SERA #133. It arrived at Woodland earlier in the month (September 5th if I remember correctly). Upon inspection at Woodland, there were a few minor issues that needed attention and a couple of problems that needed to be addressed. The unit is currently behind the Woodland shop while the kinks are being worked out... We (the Woodland Sierra engineers) were given a brief class on how this thing operates...Very interesting. Lots of "computer controlled" components to include all 3 engines (starting sequence when additional power is needed, starting the engine with the least amount of hours on it as the "primary" engine, engine monitoring), wheel slip control, and the brake system (CCB-26). It even has air conditioning (more due to all of the computer equipment than crew comfort but we'll take it...)!! I've got to admit that it is really strange going from an older all mechanical locomotive like a GP-9 to this unit (a RP-20BD) but I could get used to it (everything except the alerter)... As far as performance, we've used it in limited switching around Woodland and the unit runs well and pulls well (which, at the end of the day, it all that really matters when you're working with it). Sure be interesting when we get 'er out on the road... Taz
There was a minor issue where the brake hanger on the rear truck was rubbing up against the main reservoir connection pipe when the locomotive went through a tight curve...Cutting the pipe, welding in a couple of new sections, and rerouting it up over the top of the rear truck fixed the problem. There were also a couple of "computer issues"...Not sure of the details but something was indicating a "fault" condition that had to be looked into. Our shop guys also took the time to become (really) familiar with the unit and some of the diagnostic capabilities which will pay off when the unit is in for its 92 day, etc., inspections. One thing to keep in mind with this locomotive is that it was built from components, supplied by R.J. Corman to the Sierra, and built to R.J. Corman's specifications (in Oakdale) with their assistance. This is the first R.J. Corman locomotive to be built in this way by a shortline railroad company. As such, there was a bit of a "learning curve" for our shop forces and most of the "kinks" are just part of the normal QA process and developing an understanding of how the locomotive operates (internally from a mechanical, electrical. and "computer control" standpoint). Taz
