Amtrak Empire Service (New York State)

CSRR573 wrote: ↑Wed Dec 11, 2024 1:20 am I've noticed a lot of the 42's coming through on 448 have, I think its the slow backing switch, replaced with the new switch Im assuming the dual modes have. Theres also a new switch on the rear bulkheads ive noticed too, assuming its for the same thing.

You are correct, the third rail switch is where the slow speed backing dial was. It is the same set up as a P32acdm, click and press. When we leave Penn the switch has to be in rail shoes up or the system gets confused and the third rail shoes stay down. Why I don't know. As for the new and improved switch on the bulkhead. I run them and haven't a clue. Never seen a notice or had a road foreman speak to me about it. Some say it is for the headlights some say its for the MU set up. Typical Amtrak add a mod and don't tell the people who might need to use it.

Railjunkie wrote: ↑Wed Dec 11, 2024 12:30 pm You are correct, the third rail switch is where the slow speed backing dial was. It is the same set up as a P32acdm, click and press. When we leave Penn the switch has to be in rail shoes up or the system gets confused and the third rail shoes stay down. Why I don't know. As for the new and improved switch on the bulkhead. I run them and haven't a clue. Never seen a notice or had a road foreman speak to me about it. Some say it is for the headlights some say its for the MU set up. Typical Amtrak add a mod and don't tell the people who might need to use it.

Have you ever asked anyone what the new switch is for?
If no one asks, no one will ever learn what it is for.
As a professional engineer, you should know what every switch is for and when to use it.

electricron wrote: ↑Wed Dec 11, 2024 2:23 pm

Railjunkie wrote: ↑Wed Dec 11, 2024 12:30 pm You are correct, the third rail switch is where the slow speed backing dial was. It is the same set up as a P32acdm, click and press. When we leave Penn the switch has to be in rail shoes up or the system gets confused and the third rail shoes stay down. Why I don't know. As for the new and improved switch on the bulkhead. I run them and haven't a clue. Never seen a notice or had a road foreman speak to me about it. Some say it is for the headlights some say its for the MU set up. Typical Amtrak add a mod and don't tell the people who might need to use it.

Have you ever asked anyone what the new switch is for?
If no one asks, no one will ever learn what it is for.
As a professional engineer, you should know what every switch is for and when to use it.

I might be dumb but I am not an idiot, first person I asked was my road foreman, his reply "what switch??" Asked a few different mechanical guys even they cant explain why its there. Normally when a modification is made a notice comes out explaining such. No notice, no explanation, I'm not touching it as I don't know how to use it or what it is for.
As for the rest of the knobs, buttons, and levers I can make it stop and go, forwards and backwards, I can cut stuff in and out I even know the breaker to completely kill the engine where you are going to need AAA to come get me. The joy of holding a yard job is if something breaks I don't have far to go to fetch another engine if myself or mechanical cant fix it.

Well that mystery switch must be important seeing as its got a seal on it. Railjunkie, Ill do some digging and see if i can find a answer for you. Here are the switches were talking about.

All you need now is a machine that goes "ping".(monty python sketch).

David Benton wrote: ↑Thu Dec 12, 2024 2:01 am All you need now is a machine that goes "ping".(monty python sketch).

Quite familiar with their work, I think that machine is included on the new Siemens locomotives.

CSRR573 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 12, 2024 12:55 am Well that mystery switch must be important seeing as its got a seal on it. Railjunkie, Ill do some digging and see if i can find a answer for you. Here are the switches were talking about.

OOHHHH they put seals on them now. Must be important glad they came out with a Road Foremans notice telling us what it is for. Geez I wonder if I had to cut it out if I have to tell the dispatcher?? I know that answer to that conversation... Or can I just do so?? Will the eye in the sky blow me in?? Wait how could I cut it out I don't know what it does. Amtrak at its finest, we will let you know what its all about at your hearing.

Mama always said if you don't know what it is don't touch it.

Get a job with the railroad they said, it pays well they said, excellent retirement and all. If you can make it.