What's an O/B Unit?

[ar9801]

Does anyone know what an "O/B Unit" is? Someone said it was the Coast Starlight #14's O/B unit that burned on 8/23/14. I'm not familiar with that term.

 

[Ind Ben]

not sure about the o part,but any unit in the consist that is operating is called a b unit

 

[Paulus]

Takes care of new delivered and expecting locomotives.

 

[ar9801]

Takes care of new delivered and expecting locomotives.

lol.

 

[Gord]

Does anyone know what an "O/B Unit" is? Someone said it was the Coast Starlight #14's O/B unit that burned on 8/23/14. I'm not familiar with that term.

Maybe B/O unit? That would be a Bad Order unit (locomotive) which is a general term which could indicate a number of problems making a locomotive unserviceable.

 

[GG-1]

Takes care of new delivered and expecting locomotives.

lol.

What is the gestation period of an expecting locomotive?

 

[FormerOBS]

I agree with Gord. My first reaction was to guess that the actual term was B/O, which is used throughout the railroad industry for any equipment that is "Bad Order", meaning it is in need of repair/replacement. If this is not the case, and the term was really OB, then your guess is as good as mine. Congrats to the proud parents.

Tom

 

[the_traveler]

Takes care of new delivered and expecting locomotives.

lol.

What is the gestation period of an expecting locomotive?

Is that why you see a pair of locos sometimes back to back? :huh:

 

[ar9801]

I agree with Gord. My first reaction was to guess that the actual term was B/O, which is used throughout the railroad industry for any equipment that is "Bad Order", meaning it is in need of repair/replacement. If this is not the case, and the term was really OB, then your guess is as good as mine. Congrats to the proud parents.

Tom

Thanks for the clarification. I thought they must be referring to a particular piece of the engine. lol.

Was looking into what failed on the Amtrak #510, GE P32BWH Dash 8 back on 8/23/14. That was the answer I got. Boy, there was a lot of smoke that day.

 

[FormerOBS]

When engines are run in multiple, they can be positioned in any direction. If there is no convenient turning facility at the end of the run, a two engine consist is often set up with the engines back to back. That way, the engines can be returned in the other direction by simply having the engine crew operate the engines from the other end. On the other hand, if turning facilities are readily available, engines may operate "elephant style", meaning that they all face forward. Picture a line of circus elephants walking together with each elephant using its trunk to hold onto the tail of the one ahead. This is a convenient setup that makes it relatively easy to adapt if the lead engine malfunctions. The crew can just stop at a convenient switch and move a trailing unit into the lead position. Various other factors may influence the decision as to which direction the trailing units may face

Tom.

 

[Karl1459]

Takes care of new delivered and expecting locomotives.

lol.

What is the gestation period of an expecting locomotive?

Perhaps some research could determine when the loco in question was in hump yard service.

 

[user 1215]

:help:

 

[CHamilton]

I am reminded of the illustration on this page:

A STRAIGHT DOPE CLASSIC FROM CECIL'S STOREHOUSE OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE
What does "DO NOT HUMP" mean on the side of railroad cars?