Note:

At right is a photograph of the controls of the NW-GC-500. The NW-GC-500 series of generator controls are systems for passenger car electrical lockers that are designed to allow for selection between accepting power from the HEP trainline, the on-car generator, or yard power. Automatic controls allow for the generator to start and power the car electrical system automatically in the event that the HEP power fails. Variations on the system include the ability to check for trainline loop complete and feed the HEP system from the under-car generator, power selection from yard power at either 240 or 480 volts, and various other options.

An Adobe Acrobat version of the brochure for this product is also available in our PDF Files area.

Features of the NW-GC-500:

• Components labeled to permit easy maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Generator Engine and Power Selection Controls:
  • Generator Breaker for turning on and off general engine electrical system. May be used as emergency shut-down of engine
  • Power Available Indicator Lights for HEP, Generator, and Yard (if used)
  • Power Source in Use Indicator - when a power source is being used by the car, the Power Available indicator light will change color.
  • Key Switch for locking the HEP line out of generator feed position. This is an additional safety feature beyond the HEP control loop completion system.
  • Where possible, LEDs are used for indicators to allow for long indicator light life in the high-vibration conditions that exist on railroad passenger cars.
  • Engine Control switch for selecting "On" , "Off", or "Auto". When set to the "On" position, the engine preheat system will automatically start and run for a brief period of time. After the engine preheat stage is completed, the engine will automatically start up and run. In the "Auto" or "On" position, if the generator has fed power to the car or trainline, it will automatically run at idle speed for a period of time before automatically shutting down. This cool down time helps reduce problems associated with rapid cooling of the cylinders on the engine.

• Generator Engine Indicators:
  • Hour Meter
  • 12 Volt Engine Alternator Meter
  • Coolant Water Temperature
  • Oil Pressure
  • Engine Preheat Indicator
  • Engine Started Indicator
  • Engine Alternator Indicator
  • Engine Overcrank Indicator - Indicates that an attempt to start the engine was made, but due to an engine or fuel related problem it would not start
  • Generator will automatically shut down when any of the following fault indicators are lit:
    • Low Oil Level - Time Delay Controlled to Prevent Engine from shutting down due to sloshing caused by train motion
    • Low Coolant Level - Time Delay Controlled to Prevent Engine from shutting down due to sloshing caused by train motion
    • Low Oil Pressure - Time Delay Controlled to Prevent Engine from shutting down due to sloshing caused by train motion
    • High Water Temperature
    • Engine Overspeed

• Generator Output: At right is a photograph of the switchgear portion of the NW-GC-500 power management system, complete with circuit breakers.

• HEP and HEP Feed:
  • This is available on certain NW-GC500 series of controls. The HEP Feed switch is normally left in the "Feed Off" position. If it is desired to feed the HEP trainline with the on-car generator, the switch is turned to the "Loop Test" position. If the control loop is complete between all the cars (that is, all of the car to car power cables are connected properly), the "Trainline Loop Complete" indicator will light. The switch may then be turned to "Feed On", which will feed power from the generator to the other cars on the train.