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Smoke Detectors and Driver Cmforts
The older British Rail designed diesel locomotives are fitted with a fire detection system that uses heat detectors not smoke detectors, should a high heat source be detected a warning bell rings and the driver must shut down the engine and activate the fire bottles (CO2).
Certain classes ; 33 ,73 and 47/7 are fitted with a fully automatic system that after detecting a high heat source will shut down the engine and then operate the bottles totally out of the control of the driver.
Class 59/2 are the only GM locomotive operating in the UK with a fire supression system, class 66 were deemed to be too reliable and therefore safe to need a fire supression system !
On the question of cab comforts GBRf are testing new air suspension drivers seats and also have a air cooling system under trial, other operators do not seemed that bothered. The main reason for not fitting the GM option of comfort cabs was the age old problem of loading gauge and where to put the kit , if you look at the new 66's being for EWS operations in Europe you can see an air conditioning unit bolted to the cab roof .
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1st December 2007, 12:53
