I’ve seen several strange boxes on CP Rail SD40-2s in the 5700 and 5800 series, constructed between 1975 and 1978. They are located behind the cab on the fireman’s side, before the blower. They are not on all units in these series. It is shown in this picture.
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=95798
What is it, and when were they added?
Trainboy
I may be wrong, but I believe that it is what is referred to as a Y2K box, put there so the loco could provide electrical power to an outside user from the main generator.
Dan
Here’s a few pics with better views
Dan
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=65845
It appears that it might be a flange lubricator. This device is mounted on the firemans side,and it is used to lubricate the wheels of the locomotive,just like the small metal box,that lies along the outside rail to give the wheels of a train lube to prevent the wear and cutting of the wheels. There was an article on this device in a back issue of RMC. In the article the Clinchfield,and the Western Maryland railroads used these devices.
Bumped!
I have another pic here of the loco that aroused my questions. I doubt it would be a flange lubricator because these are (from what I have seen) not really mainline units, and it is only on 1 side, would that make a difference? Sorry about it being tilted, I must not have scanned it in right.
http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=47225&d=1132436803
These boxes are electrical cabinets. In the first ages of electronic control those new items were pretty large and the sensible components were kept inside the cab while some of the basic electric connections moved outside into such a box. Some “upgaded” locos got the same treatment.
Martin
Québec City
Hmm, we don’t seem to have a concensus…some people say things, most agree that it’s electrical, and most of those say it’s a Y2K box, how many people are sure?
Matthew
it looks like some sort of electrical cabinet, maybe for running auxillary power. jjust my 2 cents
james
I think the ‘Y2K’ box may be what that large white panel is. It apears to be a ‘CP’ thing. The smaller red box just behind the cab is the ‘electrical/air filter’ - pretty astandard on SD40-2’s.
Jim Bernier