Cardboard Boxes...

[wm3798]

Curious... I've seen a lot of pictures of switch engines with cardboard boxes against the radiator grills...  I assume it's something functional, and not just lots of random cardboard chunks that happen to hit switchers in the face!  Any insights?



Lee

[wcfn100]

I would assume it's to block cold air into the radiator.  Some locomotives had rolled canvas they could raise and lower.

Jason

[peteski]

I have seen something similar done on large trucks during the winters here in Northeast U.S.  I'm sure it is to get the engine to run warmer.  But what I ponder is why that is needed, since most water-cooled engines have a thermostat which should keep the engine at an optimal temperature regardless of the ambient temps.

[C855B]

In large engines, thermostats are viewed by a lot of mechanics as more trouble than they are worth, and are frequently removed. Biggest issue is flow restriction under hot conditions, and - right or wrong - it's easier to take the thermostat out and not worry about overheating under severe load, and just put some cardboard over the radiator if it runs too cool in the winter. Redneck engineering, more or less, but I do understand the point of if you're going to modify a system to solve a problem, have it relieve the issue of immediate debilitating damage (overheating) versus inconveniences (no cabin heat, poor power, rough running and [cough cough] pollution).

It's gained enough traction with the truckers for there to be an aftermarket in fitted radiator covers with adjustable flaps, similar to the rolled canvas Jason mentioned.

[peteski]

It's gained enough traction with the truckers for there to be an aftermarket in fitted radiator covers with adjustable flaps, similar to the rolled canvas Jason mentioned.

Makes sense. I have seen those aftermarket grille covers too.

[Spikre]

 
  the Opposite version was opening the Hood doors to keep the
  locos from over heating.
   Susie Q did this with RS-1s, maybe its S-2s also ?
  Cotton Belt did this with its Alligators,Trains ran many pics of
  them that way in hotter weather.
    am sure there were others .
        Spikre
           

[The Beer Baron]

When it's 36 below zero, and your coolant temp won't go above 160 and generate cabin heat - you block airflow to the cooling system to increase coolant temp.

[milw12]

Jason and Drew hit the nail on the head- it's very common around here on semis and even cars when it gets bitter cold in the winter. You know someone is hard up when that have a bit of cardboard strapped to their '95 Pontiac 

[Hyperion]

It can get so cold in some places that the coolant simply can't get warm enough to maintain sufficient heat within the engine to meet efficient combustibility requirements if the radiator is fully-exposed (plus the cooler water tempers will freeze up in a hurry if the engine shuts down) .  Older EMDs are particularly susceptible to this issue -- hence Winterization hatches you see on GP/SD units.  On the other hand, EMDs are far less susceptible to cooling issues in the Summer that GEs are known for -- so it kinda works out.    Newer locomotives, for which controlling engine temperatures is extremely important to meeting EPA emissions requirements, use computer controlled radiator baffles to perform the same function that the cardboard or canvas used to (amongst other technologies in the cooling system) or can bypass the radiator altogether.

[fire5506]

EMD locomotives do not have thermostats, the temperature is controlled by the fans and shuutters, on the switch engine picture the fan is belt driven off the engine so the only temp control is shutters and if they don't close all the way then it will run cold, hence the cardboard.

Richard looking at MP 242 while working for the FEC Rwy.

[wm3798]

So when is BLMA releasing N scale Cardboard Box Radiator Covers?

[Rich_S]

EMD locomotives do not have thermostats, the temperature is controlled by the fans and shutters, on the switch engine picture the fan is belt driven off the engine so the only temp control is shutters and if they don't close all the way then it will run cold, hence the cardboard.

Richard looking at MP 242 while working for the FEC Rwy.

I agree. There may either be an issue with the shutters that are in front of the large fan on this locomotive or an issue with the water temp sensor. On older locomotives that also used the cooling water for cab heat, poorly functioning shutters or bad water temp sensors, which are setup to protect the engine when they fail, could mean a cold cab for the crew. On rebuilt and newer locomotives the cab heaters and sidewall heaters are now electric, with the newest locomotives having a HVAC unit for cab heat and cooling.

On a side note, when you are standing on the front platform and those shutters open, it will definitely get your attention   

 

[Doug G.]

I used to put cardboard in front of the radiator in my '59 Chevy here in the winter because it just didn't want to quite warm up when the temp was minus 20.

I have seen locos with the same treatment in this area too, in the winter.



Doug