Inconsistent Panto's

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

Panto's pointing in odd direction's. 6E1 1641 & 6E 1173 returning to Bellville after working the Durban Shoz sitter.

[Dylan Knott]

When do they use both Pantos? I think there was a reason for using the rear mounted one.

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

They normally use the rear Panto's incase there is an obstruction on the wire above. It gives the driver more time to drop the Panto and avoid any damage.

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Stefan - I do not understand your explaination!

Surely oif there is an obstruction a different of 3 feet will not make any difference? What am I missing here?

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

Thats the reason given.

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Travelling at 30kms it's a difference of less then .5 of a second!

So, while it may be an idea, in practice it probably makes no differnce?

[John Ashworth]

Kevin, I don't think the panties on a loco are only 3 foot apart. They look as if there is about one third of the loco length between them, ie probably around 7 m. At 30 kph, that then gives a difference of nearer one second rather than "less than .5 of a second". If the driver sees an obstruction ahead and retracts the panty, then maybe one extra second reaction time could make a difference.

But I'm only speculating - I have no idea what it's like in the real world of pantographs. Any electric drivers out there care to enlighten us? Is it common to be able to see an obstruction on the overhead wire, or do they normally take you by surprise? And at line speed, would you really have time to retract the pantograph, with or without the extra one second?

[Craig Duckham]

the reason is due to the mess created from the lubricator on the panto head. So the one above the drivers cab is best not used. But in reality, the loco is designed to use any panto in any direction.

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Thanks Craig.

John I based mycalculation on 30kms an hour = 500metres per minute = 8.33 metes per second. I guess 1 second is probably right for the front to back position.

[John Ashworth]

Thanks, Craig. There's usually an eminently practical reason!

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

Just remember that they running at 90kph and sometimes faster.

[Craig Duckham]

Stefan, not sure if you noticed but the two units carry unique liveries. Why you ask? Well the orange loco was the launch livery of Spoornet back 1990 or so. The blue and white stripe was short lived and it was not long and Spoornet simplified the livery to Orange only. Then the blue livery was the last Spoornet livery before the TFR livery came into the fold!

[Stefan Andrzejewski]

The Blue and white stripe on the orange Loco's is not common here in the Western Cape. Its the first 6E1 that I have seen with those stripes. I imagine that it was brought out when the coach livery of orange white and blue was brought out. At least those two were fairly clean. Thanx for that observation Craig.

[Greg Hart]

the reason is due to the mess created from the lubricator on the panto head. So the one above the drivers cab is best not used. But in reality, the loco is designed to use any panto in any direction.

hmmmm, I thought its best to drive forward with the front pantos up, so you dont throw grease onto the window's behind?? I know the assistants hate washing that stuff off the windows..