HE IS DOING A HOLESHOT  Burning iron instead of rubber   needs some sand

Now these are really sparks   This was after a little ice storm

I think MU stands for Messed Up.

Pretty much what bluelnec4 said, …the unit in question has lost its grip on the roadway, but the power is still applied, so it’s literally spinning it’s wheels as the other units are moving the train set,…..the unit making all the sparks is floating on heat and can’t get a grip, ….it looks like in your video, the engineer realizes this, slows the train down to let that unit settle back in, then slowly re-applies the power to get moving again….

Pat

Nice fireworks!

Something SERIOUSLY wrong with the wheel slip protection system on that unit! Note how fast the wheels are spinning versus the forward movement of the train.

I saw a CTA train on my way back from Chicago the other night that was lighting up the whole area with white flashes from the wheels. I wish I could have videoed, but I was driving.

@Hot Water posted:

Something SERIOUSLY wrong with the wheel slip protection system on that unit! Note how fast the wheels are spinning versus the forward movement of the train.

Hot Water’s perspective could be it, “SERIOUSLY wrong with the wheel slip protection system” This means a computer programing issue. Just like on our personal vehicles. On a car a technician can plug in an analyzer to analyze problems.

When this engine goes back to the barn for repairs, do they have an engine analyzer similar to ones used on cars?  • Do you know the brand and how it works?

Gary 🚂

@trainroomgary posted:

Hot Water’s perspective could be it, “SERIOUSLY wrong with the wheel slip protection system” This means a computer programing issue.

Sorry but "old units" like that generally did/do NOT have "computers"!

Just like on our personal vehicles. On a car a technician can plug in an analyzer to analyze problems.

Not on older units like that.

When this engine goes back to the barn for repairs, do they have an engine analyzer similar to ones used on cars?

No. The Electrician that does the troubleshooting will most likely simply change-out the Wheel Slip Module.

• Do you know the brand and how it works?

Gary 🚂

Isn't it damaging to the wheel treads and rail tops?  Seems like that sort of heat will take its toll on the quality/performance of the steel in both.

The sparks folks are seeing from electrified trains...weather related or not...are of different issues, typically involving the third rail (power rail) and the pick-up.  Yes?  No?

Now if you really want to stumble onto a sparking show...at nighttime, especially...maybe you'll be lucky enough to have this pass the grade crossing while you patiently wait...

@dkdkrd posted:

Isn't it damaging to the wheel treads and rail tops?  Seems like that sort of heat will take its toll on the quality/performance of the steel in both.

Of course it is!

Check this picture out!  Picture Link

@dkdkrd posted:

Isn't it damaging to the wheel treads and rail tops?

Absolutely!

Seems like that sort of heat will take its toll on the quality/performance of the steel in both.

right again!

The sparks folks are seeing from electrified trains...weather related or not...are of different issues, typically involving the third rail (power rail) and the pick-up.  Yes?

Yes.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Of course it is!

Check this picture out!  Picture Link

YIKES!!!

@dkdkrd posted:

YIKES!!!

My guess is that picture the MU'ed unit was remote from the lead and they stopped and didn't notice for a spell that it was still trying to move the train.   I'm not sure how else that much damage could occur.  One wonders how they got the train out of there, unless it was a pusher and not in the middle of the consist.   I love the piles of shaved metal from the wheels grinding the rails!

@Hot Water posted:

Something SERIOUSLY wrong with the wheel slip protection system on that unit! Note how fast the wheels are spinning versus the forward movement of the train.

Nothing wrong with the wheel slip system. Once all four axles started spinning, the system didn't see a slip because they were all spinning at the same speed. No axle spinning slower to compare the others to. The W/S system only effects its own unit. It does not effect other units in the consist.

Note how that after stopping, the train started again with no slip. I've seen this happen many times. I've even seen this same thing happen when the train was running 40mph. Hit a piece of slick rail and a unit would light up all axles. When that happens there wouldn't even be a "wheel slip" light to warn the engineer. And if the train was on a straight line, the engineer probably didn't even see a spark, especially in daylight.

@dkdkrd posted:

Isn't it damaging to the wheel treads and rail tops?  Seems like that sort of heat will take its toll on the quality/performance of the steel in both.

The sparks folks are seeing from electrified trains...weather related or not...are of different issues, typically involving the third rail (power rail) and the pick-up.  Yes?  No?

Now if you really want to stumble onto a sparking show...at nighttime, especially...maybe you'll be lucky enough to have this pass the grade crossing while you patiently wait...

The Loram Rail Grinder. 👍👍👍

We call those railgrinders the fire starters.  I hate them.  

I would like to thank everyone for their input on this issue. What is causing all the sparks. Along with thanking you for watching this video from my “YouTube Channel”.

Below is a Google Earth image showing where I was standing with the camera. This consist is leaving the Durand Yard. From left to right crossing a major road to downtown Durand, Michigan.

When I was filming this there was a strong burning smell. I have been teaching Drivers Education for over 40 years and I see a similar issue with my Drivers Education Car. The car has a brake on the teachers side of the vehicle. When I use my brake, the brake pads can hang-up against the disc brake rotors. This can go undetected by the teacher and I will not notice this issue until I smell the pads burning,

When I saw this loco burning and sparking. My first thought was that the wheel is spinning and the pads are stuck.

Hope to see you out rail-fanning. Gary 🚂