From Northwest Rail Electric

See where our equipment is located on a typical passenger car

While Northwest Rail Electric generator control packages may be adapted for use with a number of different type of generators, our standard system is designed to work with Stadco Generators, which meet the requirements of railroad passenger cars very well.

An Adobe Acrobat version of the brochure for this product is also available in our PDF Files area.

Note: The system shown here is only one example. Several variations have been developed for different generator sizes, voltages, and manufacturers.

Features of the NW-GC130:

• Components labeled to permit easy maintenance
• Generator Engine Controls:
  • Generator Breaker for turning on and off general engine electrical system. May be used as emergency shut-down of engine
  • Engine Control switch for selecting "Start / Run" or "Delay Off / Cool Down". When set to the "Start / Run" position, the engine preheat system will automatically start and run for a brief period of time. After the engine preheat stage is completed, the engine will automatically start up and run. In the "Delay Off / Cool Down" position, the engine will automatically run at idle speed for a period of time before automatically shutting down.

• Generator Engine Indicators:
  • Hour Meter
  • 12 Volt Engine Alternator Meter
  • Coolant Water Temperature
  • Oil Pressure
  • Engine Preheat Indicator
  • Engine Started Indicator
  • Engine Alternator Indicator
  • Engine Overcrank Indicator - Indicates that an attempt to start the engine was made, but due to an engine or fuel related problem it would not start
  • Generator will automatically shut down when any of the following fault indicators are lit:
    • Low Oil Level - Time Delay Controlled to Prevent Engine from shutting down due to sloshing caused by train motion
    • Low Coolant Level - Time Delay Controlled to Prevent Engine from shutting down due to sloshing caused by train motion
    • Low Oil Pressure - Time Delay Controlled to Prevent Engine from shutting down due to sloshing caused by train motion
    • High Water Temperature
    • Engine Overspeed

• Generator Output:
  • 0-600 volt AC Voltmeter
  • 0-200 ampere AC Ampmeter
  • Optional Frequency Meter
  • These meters are connected to a meter switch that allows for individual measurement of the voltage and current that the generator is feeding to each of the three phases. Meter switch may also be set to "off" to indicate any induction-caused problems with the meter reading.

• HEP and HEP Feed:
  • HEP "Feed Off", "Loop Test", and "Feed On" switch
  • "Trainline Loop Complete" Indicator light
  • The HEP Feed switch is normally left in the "Feed Off" position. If it is desired to feed the HEP trainline with the on-car generator, the switch is turned to the "Loop Test" position. If the control loop is complete between all the cars (that is, all of the car to car power cables are connected properly), the "Trainline Loop Complete" indicator will light. The switch may then be turned to "Feed On", which will feed power from the generator to the other cars on the train.

Related Products from Northwest Rail Electric:

• Electrical Locker Packages for converting a passenger car electrical system to HEP

• Evaporator Units and Under-Car Condensers for those converting their railroad air conditioning systems to run on HEP.

• Under-Car Diesel Generators for providing power to the HEP trainline.

• Yard Power Units are used to power the HEP trainline when a car is in the shop or when a train is laying over at the station.

• HEP Parts including HEP Connectors for those adding HEP.

• Rubber Tube Diaphragms for those upgrading passenger cars to modern car end standards.

• Railroad Grade Wire for those upgrading or replacing railroad car electrical wire.