645 posted:Hot Water posted:645 posted:Out of curiosity has 4449 been equipped for PTC yetNot yet.
or is that still being looked into or underway?
We are well past the "being looked into", but still "negotiating" concerning just what will ACTUALLY be required. Reportedly the FRA has already relented on the demand for "shutting off the power" in the event of a PTC initiated penalty brake application. The "shutting off the power" is obviously VERY easy to do on a diesel locomotive, but a bit more involved on a steam locomotive, especially one without a front end throttle.
Thanks for the answers. Sounds like the basics are covered for PTC in regards to steam and just need to make things official for PTC requirements as they relate to steam. I had forgotten about that "cut the power" provision which is simpler to accomplish on a diesel or electric - not so on steam.
Do you know if the PTC system is same for both BNSF and UP or are there a few differences?
Both use the same Wabtec system.
I assume 4449 will go with just the BNSF version of PTC for now until (if ever) UP allows non-UP steam to operate on their tracks again.
