MNRR Dual Mode Chargers discussion

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If I recall correctly, 80 mph operation on 3rd rail power is possible, which would be consistent with the M-7 EMU operation.
IMO there are 2 separate factors for max speed.
1. the actual mechanical limit when shoe is contacting the third rail. Have no idea but over running and under running might have different values. the design of the shoe will be determined by the current draw.
2. Electrical draw is the other. The number of amps each of 2 shoes can draw. EMU shoes draw much less amps since each car is drawing only power for its car. So, MNRR locos current draw is much greater per shoe. The max current draw may depend probably on amount of surface contact that the shoe places on the rail. the post that says the shoe design is different and only 4 are on 301 (2 each side) since more have not been delivered. It may be that they are just prototypes subject to change.

What could really complicate the use of 3rd rail is if one shoe fails out of the 4
 
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IMO there are 2 separate factors for max speed.
1. the actual mechanical limit when shoe is contacting the third rail. Have no idea but over running and under running might have different values. the design of the shoe will be determined by the current draw.
2. Electrical draw is the other. The number of amps each of 2 shoes can draw. EMU shoes draw much less amps since each car is drawing only power for its car. So, MNRR locos current draw is much greater per shoe. The max current draw may depend probably on amount of surface contact that the shoe places on the rail. the post that says the shoe design is different and only 4 are on 301 (2 each side) since more have not been delivered. It may be that they are just prototypes subject to change.

What could really complicate the use of 3rd rail is if one shoe fails out of the 4
I'm basing my numbers on the published specs
 
Little update, so far all test runs are for Siemens to dial in and set the electronics. No Metro North accepance runs yet.
one unit had a truck change to put an instrumented truck in for testing but that was switched to its own truck.
No MDBF testing or Crew training yet on them. may start in April if nothing changes.
303 and 304 are believed to be ready for shipment but on hold as not to plug up Harmon.
 
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