MU question

Dec 23, 2004 2 Replies

Larry

They are 26 pin connectors...and the power is 74 or so volts as well. The sand works by air, not electicity and is controlled by one of the hoses on the end of the unit...Now, of course, the relays to operate the sanders valves by air are electric, as you guessed.

All functions of the trailing motors are controlled by the leader. On the rear bulkhead there is a switch that controls what end of the unit, short hood, long hood or both, that is hot. The engineer or the person setting up the power set simply needs to select the proper setting. Also, the brakes need to be cut in or cut out. Cut in is for leading, cut out is for trailing. If trailing, the automatic brake handle needs to be in handle off and the independent needs to be in full release. The electronic brakes on newer units are all set up from the computer screen on the control stand or desktop.

There is, also on the bulkhead, a selector for headlight contols. Again, if the unit is being operated as a single unit or as a trailing motor.

Denis Blake Columbus, OH

This may be slightly off-topic but model railroaders are probably more "electronic" than full-scale railfans.



How does full scale Multiple Unit wiring work to put loco's together in a consist?? What makes it interesting is that MU connections seem to work between all manufacturers of diesels. And, since they've been around unchanged for decades, they can't be very electronic. So I'm guessing they are relay controls, probably 12 to 24 Volt powered.



MU controls have to be pretty simple too so they will work with all loco's. So, let's say there are individual controls for all 8 "Run" positions. That's at least 8 wires plus ground returns. Then there are engine brake controls but certainly more than just "On-Off". I suspect too that none of this is "binary encoded" where 3 wires would give 8 settings. Then there are dynamic brakes, which also are decades old.



Even if the "lead unit" does all horn and bell work, what about sand controls??? I've heard that MU connectors are an AAR standard. And someone said they are a 19-pin connector. Google didn't say much. Anyone know?



Just curious, Larry


Don't have the date but there was an excellent article on this subject, right down to connector pins, in TRAINS magazine about 20 years ago.

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