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First SD70ACe-P4 hits the road
GE’s version has the ability to raise the center (unpowered) axles from the rail to provide maximum weight on the powered axles, and therefore maximum tractive effort, when needed. I don’t believe the EMD’s have this feature, although there may be some other device to provide similar results.
I am surprised by the B1-1B configuration. I was expecting it to be A1A-A1A like an E-unit.
Why have a sander to axle/wheel set without a traction motor?
GE is number one for a reason, innovation. I just wish that the new GE’s could sound like the old U-boat GE’s.
It looks to me as though the outside powered axle in the pictured truck also has radial capability. If so, any revenue that can be saved with an A1A with the unpowered axle lifted would be more than trumped by the overall savings by using radial action. Rail and flange wear are dramatically reduced, though GE has failed so far to get a lasso around the concept. Also, raising the center axle of an A1A truck also means the two outer axles will likely exceed the axle loading limits on the rails. It also places more wear on the active bearings.
John, it looks to me like the sander application nearest to the unpowered axle is for the whole truck. Also, sand is automatically applied during an emergency brake application. Even commuter rail cab cars - unpowered coaches with an engineer’s cab - have sanders for this exact reason.
I imagine the axel doesn’t raise because it would apply too much stress on the center of the frame. That third axel on each truck does a lot for weight distribution. I can’t see this unit selling many copies. At least not as many as GE’s.