DSchmitt, I have seen pictures of wing plows with B units running them. Is it possible that via MU connections that the B unit can be controlled from the cab of the wing plow therefore eliminating the need for anyone in the B unit?
I didn’t think of that. Possible, but the only photos I found with B units were rotaries. The B’s were probably all “snails” although I can’t confirm that.
I believe it’s called a “wedge plow” not a “wing plow”?? There are two types, one for single track that clears snow to either side, and one for double track that only sends the snow to one side.
A plow operator didn’t just sit up there in the cupola and enjoy the view. Depending on where the plow is being used, the wing blades might need to be retracted for lineside obstacles and the flanger blades lifted for road crossings, bridge guardrails, and turnouts.
There’s a very interesting discussion on snow plows HERE with photos and diagrams showing insights into the operation of rotary plows. Evidently, in steam days, the plow operators did, indirectly, control the locomotive via whistle signals and operation of the locomotive’s brakes, so it’s entirely possible that a crew member in the plow could control a diesel using suitable mu connections.
Wayne
It’s steam.
Note in the photos on the Athearn site that there’s safety valves in the roof and a steam exhaust stack at the rear of the roof. There’s also a smokebox face on the rear of the model–not something usually applied to a diesel. UP, Rock Island, and Soo bought these. Here’s a shot of a UP version:
Note that there’s still pop valves showing on the roof. And there’s the tender, of course.
And in this picture of a sister plow (same model) you’ll note the smokebox projecting from the rear of the plow and the water hose between it and its tender:
The following is from the STMFC Yahoo Group (in reference to the Athearn model):
Rotary Lima-Hamilton 1948–4 prototypes: Union Pacific 900075 retired 4/79; Kansas Union Pacific 900076 retired 6/85;Oregon Soo X-19 scrapped 11/66 Rock Island 95377 scrapped 3/66 |
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Ed
Locations that didn’t normally see rotary plow use did (do) see such use when the weather requires. I grew up near Freeport, Illinois and somewhere in the mid to late 1960’s we had a serious blizzard. The Milwaukee tracks running NE from Freeport (through Dakota, Davis, and toward Beloit) were filled with snow at every cut. The Milwaukee brought in a rotary. Dad worked for the IC and knew it was coming, and we went over and watched from the parallel Route 75. Definately a show!
The IC main, running more east-west to Chicago, wasn’t troubled quite as bad by that snow. Usually, when Dad got called out for a plow extra it was using a Jordan Spreader. There was a Jordan Spreader based there in Freeport on the IC. I’m not sure where the Milwaukee had that rotary based, but possibly in Savannah.
Bill