Good day all:
I posted the first videos of the new E44s powered up on their shakedown runs around the system. I am running both pantographs up to clean any fabrication residue from the shoes. This is also mitigated by silver conductive grease applied to the shoes, (and arm joints as well for good conductivity).
There is significant upward pressure exerted on the wire by the extended pantograph, which is noted by the wire-flexing action. This is noteworthy considering the wire is tensioned at several pounds per square-inch. The pantograph design calls for springs from Atlas pantographs to guarantee reliable pantograph/catenary interaction at higher current flow when pulling heavy coal trains.
WESTBOUND PAST THE COACH YARD THROAT
EASTBOUND PAST THE COACH YARD THROAT
There is a 19-car train of scale empties waiting for the shakedowns to complete. I hope to post some videos of those runs in the next few weeks. Thanks for watching.
