IRM is now officially open for visitors on weekdays, although nothing is running and the barns are not open. And of course we don't charge admission under these circumstances. Still, there were several groups wandering around viewing the outdoor displays and enjoying the nice weather.
I started by putting a final interior coat on three 319 windows and their window shade tracks in the shop. I then turned to finishing (pretty much) inspection and lubrication on the 309, as I had brought out some Vaseline for the controllers and reversers. I still need to do the roof when I have a helper. But say, while we're here, let's take an educational look at how a controller works.
I started by putting a final interior coat on three 319 windows and their window shade tracks in the shop. I then turned to finishing (pretty much) inspection and lubrication on the 309, as I had brought out some Vaseline for the controllers and reversers. I still need to do the roof when I have a helper. But say, while we're here, let's take an educational look at how a controller works.
CONTROLLER STUDIES 101
This is a GE C-6 controller for type M control. Most GE models have the same general design. Note that the main drum is geared to the controller handle shaft, so it turns in the opposite direction. 
At the top, #1 is the reverser drum, with two contacts for forward and reverse, of course. It's mechanically interlocked to the main drum so you can't move the handle unless the reverse key is in forward or reverse, and you can't move the reverse key unless the handle is off. #2 is the spring which drives the throttle mechanism (#3). There are two sliding contacts, wired in series. The throttle can only be engaged by holding the throttle button down while the handle is moved from off to the first point. #4 is the gearing for the main drum. 
#5 is the star wheel which helps the motorman keep the controller in the correct position for each point. Below that is the main drum (#6) with all of the various contact fingers. The arc chute assembly has been opened, and is off to the right. Finally, #7 is the magnetic blow-out coil at the bottom of the controller.
The second picture shows the main drum advanced to about the third point.
As with all GE type M controllers, this controller switches 600 volts DC, unlike the Westinghouse electro-pneumatic system, where a dropping resistor reduces the voltage to the controller to perhaps 150V.
Any questions? OK, good. There will be a quiz on Wednesday.
I did some cleaning up in the 319. And I helped Joel for a while with the project of removing a spare bus jumper pin, which we need for the 460. We're making some progress, and we figured out what sort of custom-made tool we'll need for the job.
At the top, #1 is the reverser drum, with two contacts for forward and reverse, of course. It's mechanically interlocked to the main drum so you can't move the handle unless the reverse key is in forward or reverse, and you can't move the reverse key unless the handle is off. #2 is the spring which drives the throttle mechanism (#3). There are two sliding contacts, wired in series. The throttle can only be engaged by holding the throttle button down while the handle is moved from off to the first point. #4 is the gearing for the main drum. 
#5 is the star wheel which helps the motorman keep the controller in the correct position for each point. Below that is the main drum (#6) with all of the various contact fingers. The arc chute assembly has been opened, and is off to the right. Finally, #7 is the magnetic blow-out coil at the bottom of the controller.The second picture shows the main drum advanced to about the third point.
As with all GE type M controllers, this controller switches 600 volts DC, unlike the Westinghouse electro-pneumatic system, where a dropping resistor reduces the voltage to the controller to perhaps 150V.
Any questions? OK, good. There will be a quiz on Wednesday.
I did some cleaning up in the 319. And I helped Joel for a while with the project of removing a spare bus jumper pin, which we need for the 460. We're making some progress, and we figured out what sort of custom-made tool we'll need for the job.
And while walking out to check on the 321, I found some vantage points overlooking the creek.
6 comments:
I should add a disclaimer, for those of you looking to mess with Westinghouse controllers. The high voltage contacts and blowout coils at the top of the controller drum in Westinghouse type L systems are energized at 600 volts, and feed the control resistor mentioned. The lower contacts are around 150 volts, but are connected to 600 volts via the control resistor. Westinghouse and GE systems operate very much the same within the controller, but the contactors under the car are different.
Kudos to you for the pictures of the creek. It's good to balance interests in other areas. I recall how you admired the photo of Salt Creek in the 309. How is that photo... can it be reconditioned? Do any other cars have that artwork?
Some varieties of C6 controller (there were a bunch) included a pilot valve for deadman control, operated by the button on the controller. The C6J controller, used by New York's Manhattan Elevated and San Francisco's Key System (on their famous "Bay Bridge" articulated cars), was of this type.
Also of note is that the Chicago Elevated used C6 controllers for a very short time. The Northwestern Elevated used manual type M control for a few years, bridging the gap between the prehistoric type L "coffee grinder" platform controllers and the automatic control we are familiar with today.
I believe the 1024 is the only one of our wood "L" cars that had manual type M.
Scott, having been out of the hobby for some time, I realized I have a few things sitting here that someone else might like to add to their collection. If you know anyone interested, I hace a complete roll sign box from a toronto pcc, cranks work, a reverse lever for the same car, as well as a glass stop lamp.....I realize this isn't the normal forum for this, but of you know of anyone that might be interested, let me know....
Ben: How can I reach you? I know a vendor who can take stuff on consignment.
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