http://jalopnik.com/5745042/when-a-train-throws-a-piston-run-for-your-life
Holy crap!!! I was railfanning the P&W a few years ago, after dark from about 75 feet from the track as they were switching using their vintage GE U-Boats. All of a sudden there was a bright flash, then most of the engine compartment doors blew open and flames shot out the stack. I think they blew a turbo. Glad it wasn’t a piston letting go.
To explain it correctly, it should have been stated; that “A Diesel Electric locomotive’s PRIME MOVER threw a piston”.
Oh, the way topic was phrased I was expecting a steam loco.
I had something like that happen to my 1951 Studebaker Champ pickup. The piston rod went out through the oil pan. Bummer.
That was a long time ago, though. Still, I wish I had that truck. I traded it in on my 1965 Mustang, which I still have.
Still trying to figure that one out from the pictures? I see the piston but no connecting rod meaning it snapped at the pin not the crank? I also see what appears to be the cylinder sleeve(bore) and the head as well. Had to be caused by some kind of harmonics or balance issue I would assume?? Would like to see the side of the locomotive as well!
Either way holy crap!
Holy moly!!
Saw this on the same page:
http://jalopnik.com/5596786/runaway-train-cuts-dutch-store-in-half
the engines today are built up components… the blocks aren’t cast like they are in small car engines. Each cylinder is bolted into the block housing individually.
Without reading all the details, but having seen the pictures before, If I recall, this was called by a crankcase explosion… oil vapors bypassed the piston rings and built up int the crankcase until there was an ignition source… KABOOM!!! Weakest cylinder bolts snap and away goes the piston.
Here is a better one… Ignore the commentary. The engine blew the dynamic cooling fan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCk21G2LR-M
Sorry Fred I have to disagree, I’ve been working for the railroad for over 30 year and to explain it correctly it would be to say,
ooops another G.E. blew up.