| MP C36-7 9053 at Cotter, Arkansas on July 15, 1986 Kodachrome by Chuck Zeiler. Number 9053 was built to UP specifications in November 1985 (c/n 45093), rated as-delivered at 3,750 horsepower, a precursor to the upcoming improved ratings in GE's DASH 8 series. This unit was renumbered to UP 2653 on September 18, 1995, retired by the UP June 18, 2001, eventually becoming EVR 1503 after rebuilding for use on Russian five foot gauge. The following is from utahrails.net: One of the high-tech features of MP's C36-7 fleet is their use of GE's microprocessor-controlled Motor Thermal Protection Panel (MTP). This device analytically calculates the temperature of each traction motor's windings, using the ambient air temperature, amperage levels, and the motor's recent operational demands, and uses this data to establish the maximum current that can be fed to each motor should it enter its short-time rating. The MTP panel alleviates the need for the engineer to keep a close eye on the ammeter to avoid motor burnout. |
