What are winterization hatches and what do they do. I just purchased a SD-60M in UP colors. I model the UP route between Houston and New Orleans. With the climate here, would engines have winterization hatches? Scot
Scot, others can no doubt give you the definitive answer, but as I understand it, the winterisation hatch during cold weather, deflects hot air from one radiator fan back into the engine compartment, to maintain a higher temperature. Not sure if the route you mention would need them, but as locomotives range over large areas, I suppose they could be fitted, even if not needed some of the time.
They are used to regulate radiator temps (the radiator is in the end of the long hood under the two or three roof fans.) In very cold climates the heat from the engine is directed back into the radiator via the winterisation hatch. There are louvers in the hatch that controls the amount of heat redirected automatically - much in the same way as the radiator fans turn on and off automatically as needed. When it is hot, the hatch is closed and the radiator fan is used for cooling.
How's this for timing - I was just reading the April 2001 Trains magazine and on page 79 is the answer to this very question. Seems I had the airflow direction wrong and Alan has it correct - they redirect radiator heat back into the engineroom as needed. Per Desiel Era's book on SD60's, the UP did not order SD60's with winterisation hatches.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by yankinoz: Per Desiel Era's book on SD60's, the UP did not order SD60's with winterisation hatches.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> That is EXACTLY what I needed to know thanks! Anyone want a winterization hatch in UP grey? I seem to have an extra! Scot
