Nostalgia & History > Q: "notch 7" switch on Santa Fe GEs?

My understanding is that GEs of the -7 vintage, and maybe earlier models, had a switch on the control stand that, when the unit was leading a consist, would limit the unit to run 7 while the rest of the units would stay in run 8.

This feature apparently was useful in controlling wheel slip.

Assuming (???) that the 8700 class U36Cs had this feature--and perhaps they did not as it might have been an optional feature that Santa Fe did not want--did the rebuilds (9500 class SF30Cs) retain it?

Thank you for any info. eljay

Even the newer locos like the Dash 9s have this switch.

BNSFhogger Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> Even the newer locos like the Dash 9s have this
> switch.

Have you even had the occasion to use this feature? Has anyone? I never have, so was just wondering.

I never did as I thought it was unnecessary.

JDE

Steamjocky Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> I never did as I thought it was unnecessary.

And remember the "Wheel Slip Suppression" cut-out switch on the U25s?

I have used it on coal trains on the Coronado and Springerville Sub in the snow and rain. It helped with the slipping. Never have had to use it out on the transcon though.

Seems like another ill fated, however well intended idea from GE. Kinda like the 16 notch throttle. Seems practical and useful in theory not in practice.

I've flipped it a time or two--and--like JDE, find it useless. It MIGHT help if you are seriously overloaded, out of sand, and, on very wet rail--but--never tried it. As long as the unit is holding the rail, cutting, oh, about 700 horsepower or so right off the whack by putting the lead unit in Notch 7--very well might GET you into that situation as your speed drops down into the critical zone.