Subject: [BRHSlist] E-5's
>>I've been running a pair of E5s on my RR for yrs., mindful that they didn't
match too well. I assumed the B unit must be phase II, and that I was an
out-of-phase railroader (which is a pretty accurate description of what kind
of a railroader I am). Reading all of the E5 messages got me curious, so I
went downstairs and checked the boxes. Surprisingly both are ph. I. A unit
is Oriental; B unit is Challenger. B has smaller, more delicately detailed
grills (or louvres) on the roof. B unit has slightly larger side windows.
Is it possible there were differences like this in ph.I E's, or am I the
victim of some inaccurate detailing? (I'm not fussy, not bothered by this,
just curious). <<
It's a good question and brings up interesting points. There appear to have
been 3 different designs for non-fan cooling on 567-powered E units, all
inytroduced in the pre-war period, and all appearing on the few E-5s
manufactured. The five E-5A Ph II motors (Q9913-9914A&B-9915A&B)have the
stand-up longitudinal vent boxes we are familiar with on the E-7 and most E-6s.
The 6 E-5A Ph I units (Q9909-9910A-9911A-9912A; C&S9950A; FW&D9980A) used the
second form, which consists of transverse slats in a slightly raised box. These
louvers were mechanically operated, occasionally with an external linkage (see
early photos of CRI&P 625/626). Because of the "bugs", the slats were often
removed in later years, leaving the radiator cores exposed below the carlines
and (usually) hardware cloth or wire netting.
All 5 E-5B Ph I units (Q9910B-9911B-9912B; C&S9950B; FW&D9980B) received the
first and rarest version of vents. This is a series of transverse fixed louvers
stamped into metal sheets, and will be most familiar to Early Zephyr fans
because of its use on 9908 "Silver Charger". So, without seeing them, I would
guess that your roofs are correct.
On to the windows (can of worms that it is). It has long been an article of
faith that the E-5 windows were either shorter in heighth or greater in width
than the EMD standard, but I am becoming increasingly convinced that this is
incorrect. It apparently stems from an optical illusion (dress a person on
horizontal stripes & they look fatter) prepetuated by Al Kamm, jr. in his
mid-60s plans for RMC. I have plans for the E-5 on my drawing board (pardon -
that's "drawing CRT") where the standard heighth windows appear to fit
perfectly with other known side dimensions. OTOH, I have yet to see written
confirmation (such as a West Burlington order form citing repairs to an E-5 and
requisitioning a standard EMD parts no.)
Challenger has done excellent research on Burlington equipment lately, and they
may have found something - I am absolutely positive there is no difference in
E-5 window sizes from order to order.
For those who might be wondering - other phase differences between the first 6
and last 5 E-5As include (on the ph I) a 4'-6" wide coupler striker on the
pilot, with raised coupler doors of matching width; train heating vent
configuration, and the cab sidevent. The two phases have different-shaped pilot
steps, and only the phase I was delivered with permanent uncoupling levers.
I suspect a lot of listers are learning more about E-5s than they *ever* wanted
to know <LOL>
Marshall
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