+- (https://bigbluetrains.com)
+-- Forum: The Depot (https://bigbluetrains.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=3)
+--- Forum: Upper Berth (https://bigbluetrains.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=7)
+--- Thread: GP9 roof details (/showthread.php?tid=960)
GP9 roof details - nachoman - 03-18-2009
Anyone know what the solver boxes are on the roof of this geep just ahead of the dynamic brake?
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.trainnet.org/Libraries/Lib005/PD_35.GIF">http://www.trainnet.org/Libraries/Lib005/PD_35.GIF</a><!-- m -->
My first thought was some kind of extra air filter, considering this is a mining locomotive.
Re: GP9 roof details - Sumpter250 - 03-18-2009
I don't see any "screens" on the boxes, which makes me doubt filters. I noticed that the other loco in the photo also has the same "boxes". There is a remote possibility that these are part of some remote control system, especially if these are recent photos. Other than that, I have no clue.
Re: GP9 roof details - Bigsteel - 03-18-2009
it looks to be a radio control unit but im not sure,this GP-9 has a similar arrangement and the info says its radio controlled so im gonna stick to that
.heres the geep--joshhttp://railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=126799&nseq=6
Re: GP9 roof details - eightyeightfan1 - 03-18-2009
I'll have to agree. Some sort of remote control boxes. That and the antenna trailing on the rear there also.
Re: GP9 roof details - e-paw - 03-18-2009
It's probably is a radio control of some kind like stated before,I just think the placement is strange .Would you realy want all those electronics right next to one of the exhaust stacks ?All that heat and soot cant be good for them.
Re: GP9 roof details - nachoman - 03-18-2009
I thought about radio control - but why two boxes? And why not conceal all the electronics in the cab and just have an external antenna?
Re: GP9 roof details - Russ Bellinis - 03-19-2009
Is this mine underground or open pit? If it is underground, they might have blocked off the rear exhaust stack exhaust all of the spent gasses out the front stack. Those may be exhaust scrubbers used to clean up the exhaust so that the locomotive doesn't gas the miners who are working underground around it.
Re: GP9 roof details - Sumpter250 - 03-19-2009
Quote:I thought about radio control - but why two boxes?
Quote:Those may be exhaust scrubbers used to clean up the exhaustBut why two boxes, if they are exhaust scrubbers, then why isn't one of them mounted over each of the exhaust stacks, instead of on either side of one exhaust stack, and closer to the cab.
In the original photo, the second unit (and it's hard to really see) seems to show that the boxes are identical, and having distinct ends each, and mounted, each facing opposite the other.
I couldn't quite make out the name of the mine,so I took the photo into Corel photo, and was able to read Morenci Mine. This is an open pit copper mine. I did find these pics,http://www.westcoastrailforums.com/view_topic.php?id=1162&forum_id=11&jump_to=10328 but so far no information about the "boxes", but contacting them would probably produce an answer to this question.
Re: GP9 roof details - nachoman - 03-19-2009
Yeah, it's the Morenci mine. If I am ever in that area again, I will try to snap some closer pictures and find someone to ask. Perhaps they house some kind of actuator needed for the remote control. An electronic to mechanical servo of some sort? Or considering this loco probably pulled a string of dump cars, perhaps some means of contrilling the dumpers (an extra compressor?).
Re: GP9 roof details - Russ Bellinis - 03-20-2009
An open pit mine would not need exhaust filtration.
Re: GP9 roof details - Bob C - 03-21-2009
OK, my turn...my guess is air intake duct and perhaps filter box. It's the same location as the AIR FILTER box on Josh's pic, forward of the front exhaust stack. Donate my winnings to Big Blue ! Bob C.