gunrunnerjohn posted:How about flames from the stack, only for the older GE models.
I think I was indirectly involved with this failure mode-think late 70's
Today both GE and Westinghouse semiconductors merged into Powerex 1986
We supplied and still make rectifier stud mount diodes with a solid copper internal cathode rod
When there was a electric short in the locomotive the Westinghouse diodes (150a or 275a) did not open and somewhere in the GE circuit you got flames
The GE diode design uses an internal flexible stranded cathode rod which when shorted would open- a fuse