True or False: Cutting out traction motors is permitted on AC locomotives to meet EPA/EDBA limits.

True or False: Cutting out traction motors is permitted on AC locomotives to meet EPA/EDBA limits.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only for DC locomotives
• D. Only with dispatcher approval

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that, under EPA/EDBA emission requirements, some AC locomotives can be configured to run with fewer active traction motors to reduce the electrical load on the diesel engine. By cutting out or disabling traction motors, the locomotive can operate at a lighter load, which can shift the engine’s operating point toward cleaner exhaust characteristics and help meet the specified limits. This capability is associated with AC propulsion systems, where the control architecture allows selective motor cutouts without compromising essential traction for typical service. It’s not about DC locomotives, and it doesn’t require dispatcher approval as a general rule; this is a regulatory-compliance adjustment. So the statement is true.

The main idea is that, under EPA/EDBA emission requirements, some AC locomotives can be configured to run with fewer active traction motors to reduce the electrical load on the diesel engine. By cutting out or disabling traction motors, the locomotive can operate at a lighter load, which can shift the engine’s operating point toward cleaner exhaust characteristics and help meet the specified limits. This capability is associated with AC propulsion systems, where the control architecture allows selective motor cutouts without compromising essential traction for typical service. It’s not about DC locomotives, and it doesn’t require dispatcher approval as a general rule; this is a regulatory-compliance adjustment. So the statement is true.