Recently I have noticed one or more locomotives idling at BNSF’s locomotive service facility in Temple. The idle seemed to be low. However, on occasion, the idle increased significantly. I did not see anyone in the cab of the locomotive(s) when the idle changed. Can the idle be set to automatically ramp up?
On occasion I have seen a locomotive at the facility with what appeared to be a scorched engine compartment door. What could have been the cause?
The locomotives in for service are moved frequently to reposition them for various services. Occasionally the repositioning requires the engineer to take the main to move the locomotives from the south end of the service facility to the north or northwest end of the facility. Is the person moving the locomotives a qualified engineer?
The person moving locomotives around a engine service facility is most commonly referred to as a ‘Hostler’. They MAY be a qualified engineer that doesn’t have sufficient seniority to hold a Engineers position - or they may not.
In the interests of Fuel Economy, most locomotives in the 21st Century are being equipped with automatic ‘start/stop’ equipment. The equipment is most notable in cold winter climates as the locomotives will start and stop when in a idle condition dependent on coolant temperature the equipment measures.
When engines are running at idle, they will occasionally speed up to increase speed of the air compressor to maintain air pressure on the locomotive. There will also be release of the ‘spitter valve’ to release accumulated water vapor that has entered the air compressor system.