AC = Alternating Current

[Dutch 4]

I'll bet Britt can even hook up a rear work light.[A href='http://www.simpletractors.com/do_it/simply_shocking.htm']http://www.simpletractors.com/do_it/simply_shocking.htm[/a]

[JimV 0]

I bet that guy can program his vcr without any help too. lol

[StinKy 0]

Woody there's nothing quite as good looking as the old EMD "E" units especially in a A-B-A lashup tho the Alco "PA" units were clean looking too but a little too automotive appearing for my taste. Dick

[Woodydel 0]

I had the Switcher in mind. Especially the hood and tank...All it needs now is a cab..Woody http://image.photoloft.com/opx-bin/OpxFIDISA.dll?src=/PhotoLoft/Asset18/2002/02/14/8985/8985073_0_0214.fpx,0,0,1,1,512,384,FFFFFF

[Dutch 4]

The F7 is my favorite in the Santa Fe "War Bonnet" paint scheme. Closest I ever got to one is the HO set I dreamed about when I was a kid, and bought for my grandson. An ABBA pulling a complete compliment of stainless cars including 2 vista domes. http://www.midwestnpioneer.org/timetable/fallenflags/images/fa_unit.jpg

[Dutch 4]

Have any of you guys ever visited the the "Pioneer Zephyr" (Silver Streak) display at the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago? Is it worth a 1000 mile trip? http://www.msichicago.org/exhibit/zephyr/design/images/strmln_des_col.jpg

[StinKy 0]

Just thought I would throw this in--Photo is of a pair of E-8 "A" units on an excursion trip in 2001. The neat thing about these engines is that they've been RESTORED by a private owner! Talk about big bucks! Dick http://kc.pennsyrr.com/passops/northernexpress2001/jc_P1010061_t.jpg

[Woodydel 0]

I would have liked to see a traction motor like you find in a locomotive since it almost looks like one, especially with the belly tank. Then you don't even need a gear box...Overall it looks like a good project to entertain yourself over the weekends...A nice laser grass cutter would go good with this project too sort of like the laser leveling devices with a few more kilowatts of power. Your grass could be flat as a pool table!..No grass clipping either.. Woody

[Woodydel 0]

All trains are of interest to me BUT steam is my passion. I was born too late! Woody

[RenegadeJ 2]

Woody...If you like steam engine check out www.4449.com

[RenegadeJ 2]

Woody...If you like steam engine check out www.4449.com

[Kent 436]

Yeah, Herb, this humbles me about as much as when I watch Norm Abrams on TV and compare his work to what I do on my 150 year old colonial....

[Woodydel 0]

Great site. That's an engine with real class. Woody

[Woodydel 0]

Am I missing anything? Does he have a tranny in there? I think as he stated that this tractor is a demostration of his variable speed controls and that tractor shows his equipment's versatility. I do think that a hybrid electric tractor could be very expensive tractor. 220 volts will pack quite a wallop when your foot hits that puddle!..I still think that his knowledge is considerable and I'm impressed...Woody

[Dutch 4]

Kent, Who is Britt Storkson? I don't see him listed as a member. I know what you mean about being humbled. I read Britt's text 3 times and I'm still lost. Britt's creation reminds me a '58 Impala that some guy who worked at the local Federal Experimental Center modified in 1960. He installed push buttons in the spoke holes of the steering wheel. Pressing a certain combination of buttons would start the engine, lock the doors, pop the trunk, and do a whole bunch of other tricks. And, that was before micro chips existed.

[Kent 436]

Dutch, he's not a member, as far as I know. He sent in the info originally in an Acrobat file and asked if I was interested. Due to its novelty, I asked him if he could provide the pictures in .jpg format, which he did later... Now, I want to see someone come up with a 4WD system using traction motors... ;<)

[Kent 436]

Woody, Based on the only view of the electric motor (pic 10), it appears he's driving the BGB with it. That would give him a drive system similar in function to the PowrMax -- variable speed (and reversible) in any of three speed ranges... Can you imagine the amperage necessary to start and accelerate under load? He's using a 230V, 3-phase motor -- I wonder what the equivalent HP is? I hope I didn't cause confusion by mentioning traction motors -- I suggested traction motors for the front because they'd be self contained drive units.... Kent

[Woodydel 0]

If he's using the tranny it seems a waste to have such a powerful electric motor. That motor from a dead stop has maximum torque at 0 rpm. A gas engine needs the mechanical advantage to keep rpm's up. Locomotives have controls that work in steps. Step 1 being the lowest speed. Each step varies the voltage with simple connections to the windings in the generator. Like he said though the tractor is a demonstration of his electronic controls so I'm not picking on his design just thinking out loud.. I still think it needs a cab to look right...Woody

[Brent_Baumer 5]

Wow Dutch, When you starting your project for one of these? I took an old General Electric tractor years ago and made it into a hydro/3 speed manual combo and thought I had enough complications. This tractor is beyond me!!!