Charlie,
I believe the modification on the E8s and 9s that your are thinking about was called "maximum field start". As I recall, it put full field voltage on the traction motor field at start to increase the acceleration rate. I don't know whether EMD condoned it or not on passenger locomotives, but the same arrangement was applied in production on switcher model locomotives to improve acceleration in yard moves.
You mentioned turning a commuter train on a wye. Where is there a wye in Aurora near the old depot? I don't recall one.
Bill Barber Gravois Mills, MO Sat Mar 2, 2013 11:51 am (PST) . Posted by:I'm leaving the material below attached so this can be put into previous
message context:
I recall a discussion at one of the annual meets (with the late Bat
Masterson???) about the transition on the E7s not being set up as well for
acceleration of the commuter trains. The Q had a modified control wiring
arrangement which gave the units more "spunk" that EMD did not approve of
and I disremember the technical terms. Acceleration from stops is why the
E7s and EA shovelnoses were not employed for commuter service as soon as
enough E8s and E9s were available in the pool to provide coverage.
Also, I don't think all the E8 and E9s were set up for powering small trains
without a power car...field taps???..... I seem to remember that only
specific units were set up for this service.
Charlie Vlk
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