Dear loco men,

I feel happy for releasing of this Vignana

Jyothi a quarterly news magazine in new

pattern for old NEWS LETTER.

This issue is focused on SPAD. How to avoid

SPAD and tips are given. Few of the

incidents also mentioned for information

and it may useful to avoid such similar

incidents.

Recent case study on ‘Fire accident of loco’

and ‘modified instructions on BP Continuity

test’ also discussed.

I hope this issue will greatly help the crew

to avoid SPAD and in all the view.

Yours ever,

Principal

(Sample text)

Space for foreword

: G P Mutalik, Sr.DEE/OP/BZA

: Ch. Dinesh Reddy, Principal, ETTC/BZA

Faculty of ETTC/BZA

ettc_bza_scr@yahoo.co.in, ettcbzascr@gmail.com

FOCUS ON SPAD GOOD WORK DONE BY

CREW CASE STUDIES

Fire Accident Locomotive

MODIFICATIONS

BP Continuity Test

(Coaching)

LATEST ELECTRIC TRACTION TECHNOLOGIES

HEALTH TIPS PHOTO GALLERY

ETTC BZA is

proposed to be

shifted to a new

building under

construction in

STPM Railway

Quarters close to

BRTS Road

Inaugural Issue

2

GOOD WORK DONE BY CREW

Miscellaneous failure reported by Crew

On 29.03.2013, Train No. 67297 (MEMU) hit one Cattle and run over at LC gate of KRV

station of BZA division on south end at KM 298/16 at 19:19 hrs. Stopped the train, checked

off side and found no abnormality. LP informed Dy.SS/KRV to check platform side after the

departure of the train. Later Train No. GNN/BTPN passed KRV at 19:50 hrs, while passing

Bridge No. 594 at KM 300/16-18 hit with dead body of cattle which was lying in the middle

of the track and suddenly BP dropped. Checked the formation, noticed BP hose pipes opened

between 4th

& 5th

and 14th

& 15th

wagons. ALP of GNN/BTPN able to couple the 4th

&5th

wagons but could not couple the BP hose pipes of 14th

& 15th

wagons due to they were

stopped on the Gundla kamma bridge and there was no path to reach the spot. Train No.

12836 Express stopped at KRV due to above reason. As per the instructions of his LP and

TLC/BZA, ALP of Tr. No. 12836 Sri V.Venketeswara Rao/BZA gone to the spot by crawling

on the track underneath the bogies of the wagons due to non-availability of side path on the

bridge. Finally he reached the spot and coupled the pipes. Train ready at 21:18 hrs.

In recognition of the excellent work done by Sri.V.Venketeswara Rao ALP/BZA, he

was awarded by Sr.DEE/TRSO/BZA.

Lurch reported by Crew

On 21.04.2013, Sri K.N.N.Raju/LP/RJY and Sri M.K.Singh/ALP/RJY while working

Tr. No. LE loco No. 31054/WAG9/GMO at 19.30 hrs, experienced Lurch at KM No. 444/2

between MBD-GWM stations of BZA division and informed the same to Dy.SS/GWM.

Immediately PWI/GWM rushed the spot, checked and found ‘Rail foot corrosion’ hence

imposed speed restriction of 30 KMPH for all further trains, moving on the spot.

Thus the prompt and spontaneous action by the crew averted a possibility of affecting

the train services in the section.

In recognition of the good work done by the crew, they are recommended for suitable

award.

Avoidable OHE failure reported by Crew

On 16.05.2013 Sri Anthony Dass LP of SNF depot of SC division while working Tr. No.

CMCN with loco No. 31232/WAG 9/LGD in the NPL siding at KM No. SAIL:2/3 observed

OHE wire hanging. He immediately lowered the pantograph and stopped the train. This

timely action saved a possible pantograph entanglement at turnout location and damage to

pantograph and OHE.

Avoidable LC gate accident by Crew

On 21.5.2013 Sri P.Srinivasulu, LP of BZA depot of SC division while working Tr.

No. JL’N with loco 27326/WAG 7/KZJ, between BKL – CKN stations of SC division while

approaching LC No. 113 at KM. No. 505 observed a car was passing through. LP controlled

the train and given control message at CKN. This timely action by the crew saved the lives of

the road users and LC gate accident.

Loco defect reported by crew

On 11.06.2013, Sri L.Krishnan/LP/Pass./BZA and Sri K.Suresh Kumar/ALP/BZA

while working Tr. No. 17644 Express with loco No. 28395/WAG7/BZA, stopped the train at

KVZ station of BZA division at 02.40 hrs, since observed hammering sound after 75 KMPH

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of train speed. After stopping the train, Crew checked the loco. They felt burning smell and

smoke emission from Gear case No. 4. TM 4 banding checked and found no abnormality.

Immediately they informed TLC that loco cannot haul the train, since TM 4 bearing may

likely to be seized. Hence relief loco was arranged. Later BD Staff/ELS/BZA went to spot,

found TM-4 Pinion end bearing hot and hence extracted the TM-4 pinion.

Thus the prompt and spontaneous action by the crew averted a possibility of affecting

the train services in the section.

In recognition of the good work done by the crew, they are awarded.

Track defect reported by crew

On 28.05.2013 Sri G.Chandra Sekhar Rao, LP/SNF of SC division (Railway Board

Awardee of this year) while working Tr. No. RTPS with loco Nos. 27190+27580/WAG

7/KZJ, between LA – WP stations of SC division noticed unusual sound at Km. No. 258/17-

11. The same was reported to Dy.SS/WP. PWI/LA rushed to the spot, checked and found

weld failure. He attended immediately meanwhile further trains were issued with cautious

driving of 30 KMPH. The alertness shown by LP has avoided a possible derailment, thus

saving damage and detention to trains.

CASE STUDY - 1

On 24.08.12, in SC division, Loco pilot of 12429, Rajadhani Express has passed the

Adoni station main line starter at ON and stopped the train before Last stop signal. The train

is being worked by Loco pilot and Co-Loco pilot.

What has happened?:

1. Loco pilots were engaged in some other work rather than observing signals/train

working.

2. Loco pilots were not exchanged the signals seriously (Owing to casual attitude since

both of them belong to same batch).

3. Loco pilots were not calling out the signals loudly.

4. Co-LP has not operated the RS to stop the train.

CASE STUDY – 2

On 29.12.2012 at 09.05 Hrs., Tr. No. 17003 Express started from Road No.2 of BAY station on

starter signal being taken ‘OFF’ and passed intermediate starter signal of Bellary station, Double

Line section of SW Rly towards BYC end at ‘ON’ position, side collided with the stationary

Empty BOXN Goods stopped on the bypass line without clearing the fouling for crew changing,

resulting in derailment of rear truck of the loco of train no.17003 and 03 wagons from 25th to

27th from the train engine of Empty BOXN Goods.

Where crew has failed?

1. Crew of Tr. No.17003 failed to observe the ON position of intermediate starter and

passed.

2. Crew of Dn. Empty BOXN failed to ensure that the train has stopped without clearing of

fouling mark

4

Derailed BOX’N wagons

Collision of Tr. No. 17003 in rear of BOX’N

5

ROLE OF CREW TO AVOID SPAD

1. Take adequate rest before coming for duty.

2. Avoid stress/strain bound activities during the rest.

3. Do not consume alcohol, sedatives, drugs, stimulants, etc., before coming for duty and

also while performing duty.

4. Ensure full complement of personal equipment in working condition.

5. Go through the safety literature given from time to time before sign ON.

6. Undergo breath analyzer test before ‘Sign ON’ and after ‘Sign OFF’.

7. Follow JPO/SOB regarding usage of mobile phones.

8. Immediately after taking charge of the train, check for the validity of BPC, availability

of loco equipment, working of warlike talkie set, etc.,

9. Safety items of loco should be checked for proper fitment/working.

10. Acknowledge VCD at regular intervals and do not isolate VCD/ close IP valve without

proper reason.

11. Always ensure for proper authorities/ documents related to train working.

12. Before starting at every station where the train has stopped ensure the correct departure

signals are taken OFF for your train.

13. Call out the signal aspects & caution boards loudly and clearly by LP/ALP, repeating of

signal aspect shall be done with each other and act according to the aspect of the signal.

14. Exchange ‘All right’ signals correctly with the Guard and station staff at all locations as

per rules.

15. Whistle according to whistle codes without any hesitation.

16. Observe all Permanent and temporary speed restrictions strictly.

17. If working a goods train, check whether it is ‘CC+8+2’ or ‘CC+6+2’ and observe speed

restrictions, accordingly.

18. Follow the load table and related conditions as per the Working Time Table.

19. Sight the reception signals from correct location, i.e, Signal Warning Board or from

Distant Signal in double Distant signaling territory. The minimum continuous visibility

distance in MAS territory is 400 meters for Distant Signal. An Inner Distant Signal

where provided, shall be visible from a minimum distance of 200 meters and 200 meters

for any Stop Signal.

20. Control the train well in advance while approaching the stop signals at ON.

21. ALPs should apply emergency brake by opening RS (Emergency brake valve COC)

quickly in case find lack of alertness of LP while approaching stop signal at ON.

22. Always stop your train the foot of the starter signal even for light engine or short length

trains also unless if so instructed/prescribed.

23. Be more cautious especially during 02.00 Hrs. to 05.00 Hrs. (VEE hours).

24. Know the correct rules for working of trains during abnormal conditions such as failure

of block instrument, point, signal, track circuit, axle counter, engine headlight, engine

whistle and OHE etc.,

25. Ensure that you are thorough with the sectional knowledge by taking proper ‘Learning

Road’ trips. Demand for booking on all directions so as to avoid lapse of LR in a

particular direction.

26. Inculcate the habit of writing all signal defects, track defects, loco defects and other

unusual promptly at the sign OFF location.

27. Do not utilise ‘walkie- talkie’ as an alternative for physical exchange of ‘All right’

signals, for passing a stop signal at ON etc.,

28. Never assume that signals will always be clear for your train.

29. Be confident but not be over confident.

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30. Do not allow unauthorized persons in loco.

31. Do not argue in loco, which may leads to anxiety.

32. Follow correct procedure during Lurch/Jerk/any unusual, if experienced on run.

33. Follow correct procedure for ‘Flat tyre’ is detected etc.,

34. Conduct Brake Continuity Test, Brake feel test and Brake power test after taking over

charge of the train wherever prescribed.

35. Scrupulously follow the SOBs/JPOs/Safety circulars/ Caution orders and seek help of

CLIs in understanding the contents.

FIRE ACCIDENT (LOCO)

CASE STUDY – 3

On 02.01.2013 while working Tr. No. BHTN with Loco No. 31148 /WAG 9/LGD caught fire

between USRA-JKT stations of RATLAM division of Western Railway due to heavy fire

from machine room and Loco roof.

AS Per LP of the train:

VCB tripped without any fault message.

Checked Machine Room and found heavy flames near SR1.

Immediately stopped the train and tried to put out the fire, but unable to control, hence

asked fire brigade.

As Per Enquiry report:

The fire is suspected to have originated due to overheating and subsequent

sparking/flashing of primary bushing of the transformer which could have taken place.

It is suspected that the crew of the loco could not initially detect this fire and when the

VCB tripped, it must have been through Primary over Current Relay (OCR 78).

However, the crew tried to close the VCB without checking the Machine Room which

led to tripping of the OHE and Circuit Breaker in the Feeding Post.

Burnt loco No. 31148

7

The Feeding Post VCB has tripped twice indicating that the LP has tried to close the loco

VCB again.

Where LP has failed?

LP failed to observe the display screen for any fault message.

LP failed to observe buzzer sound.

LP failed to notice the Primary over Current Relay (OCR 78) action.

LP was trying to close VCB frequently in view to clear the section without checking

the loco.

LP has not given information in time to TLC/Dy.SS.

How to prevent?

When VCB tripped, check the DDS message.

When VCB tripped through OCR 78, LP should check the machine room as well as

loco roof and under gear thoroughly for any smell/smoke/fire, oil splashes and silica

gel units.

If there is any abnormality should not reset the relay. Put out fire immediately by

using fixed and portable fire extinguishers and ask for relief loco.

If there is no abnormality close VCB for only once.

If VCB tripped again LP should check OCR 78 physically, if red target is dropped,

should not try to energise the loco.

Note: 1. When OCR-78 is energised, LP should act as if QLM in conventional locos. 2. When VCB tripped second time with OCR 78, CE will switch OFF and

pantograph also will be lowered automatically.

Machine room burnt

8

BP CONTINUITY TEST (In coaching trains)

1. The Loco Pilot must charge the BP to 5 Kg/Cm2 in loco and must confirm from the

Guard that minimum 4.8 Kg/Cm2 in SLR.

2. The LP must move the automatic brake valve (A9) to reduce BP pressure to 4.0 Kg/Cm2

in loco and must confirm from the Guard that BP pressure in SLR is reduced by 1.0

Kg/Cm2 (In the range of 3.6 to 4.0 Kg/Cm

2). In this condition, train brakes must also

apply.

3. If BP pressure in SLR does not show reduction in BP pressure in the range of 3.6 to 4.0 Kg/Cm

2, it indicates discontinuity in brake pipe, which must be attended by TXR staff.

4. After that, the LP must move A9 handle to normal position and check that 5 Kg/Cm2 of

BP pressure is recharged in loco and must confirm from the Guard that minimum of 4.8 Kg/Cm

2 in SLR.

5. After the BP pressure has stabilized in the loco, air supply for the BP should be cut off

by closing A8 COC in conventional loco. In 3Ø loco close E 70 COC and ignore the message appeared.

6. Then, the Guard shall immediately open the Emergency brake valve to vent out the BP

by 1.0 Kg/Cm2 and LP should observe that the pressure in the BP gauge in the loco is

within in the range of 3.6 to 4.0 Kg/Cm2, otherwise it indicates discontinuity in brake

pipe, which must be attended by TXR staff.

7. After confirmation of continuity, open the A 8 COC (E 70 COC in 3Ø loco) and recharge

the BP pressure in the loco and also confirm with guard.

LATEST ELECTRIC TRACTION TECHNOLOGIES

Operation of WAP-5 in multiple consists: This will enable running of 24 coach trains

at a speed of 160 kmph. Software modification for specific operation of pantograph in

WAP-5 MU. The control has been modified such that the pantograph is not raised in

the slave loco and slave loco is powered from Master loco through the HV cable. WAP-

5 loco No.30059 & 30060 with MU system is having this modification.

Three phase locomotives equipped with IGBT based Propulsion system:-

Originally 3-ø locomotives provided with GTO based propulsion system. GTO based

converters have disadvantages such as limitation in slip/slide control due to group

drive, higher switching losses, outdated technology, etc., Therefore, IGBT (Insulated

Gate Bipolar Transistor) based traction converters & auxiliary converters are developed

to address the issues.

Hotel load Converter for WAP-7: Diesel power cars used in Rajdhani/Shatabdi trains

consume fossil fuel in addition emission of air and sound pollution. Hotel load

converter utilizes pollution free and cheaper power from OHE. Adoption of Hotel load

converter operation logic in WAP-7 loco software. Operational and safety features of

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WAP-5 loco adopted in WAP-7 loco also. Cost saving per loco for year on account of

fuel only will be 50 Lakh rupees.

Alternate Drive Gear Assembly for WAP-5:- Hurth coupling has a rubber membrane

whereas alternate drive gear system has combined curved teeth coupling/ring disc

coupling, having no rubber membrane.

Open Platform Control System for Vehicle Control with TCN compatibility:

Present vehicle control system of 3-ø locomotive is based on ABB proprietary protocol

MICAS-S2 which is of 1980s vintage. Thus, the system has disadvantages such as

difficulties in modification/up gradation due to specific compatibility of available

hardware with software. Further, being old system hardware architecture is based on

slow processors and components.

Open control the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) works on published protocol based

on IEC-61375, also known as TCN (Train Communication Network). Application

software coding is based on PLC languages complying IEC – 61131. Due to use of

high speed processors, there are lesser number of processor cards, faster signal

processing and implementation of latest algorithm for signal processing. No special

tool is required for downloading the software in locomotive and troubleshooting.

Doppler Radar based Slip/Slide Control System: The 3-ø loco is a group drive

system. For slip/slide control the reference speed is derived out of axle speed sensed

through the speed sensors mounted on the traction motor. In case of wheel slip/slide in

a bogie this algorithm doesn’t give correct reference speed. The problem is particularly

severe in case of slip/slide of all axles in a bogie. Speed sensor with Doppler radar has

been developed for 3-ø locomotives. In this system, actual ground system is measured

by radar which is taken as reference speed. The loco slip/slide is detected with respect

to the ground reference speed. The slip/slide control based on ground reference speed

gives better results.

Wireless Loco control in 3-ø loco.

Wireless Multiple Loco Control (LOCOTROL) in conventional loco.

New Version Driver Display Unit (DDU)- 10.4” Color Driver Display Unit.

Development of Remote Diagnostic System.

Development of Active Speed sensor.

High Capacity Oil free Compressor – 1750 LPM.

High Reach Pantograph for higher OHE.

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Enabling Regenerative Brake in slave loco in MU consist. Earlier in MU consist the

Regenerative brake in slave loco in MU was not possible.

Modification in TM temperature sensing logic to prevent loco failure due to failure of

one TM temperature sensor.

Cab re-profiling in three phase loco to accommodate AC.

Simplified pipe line layout in three phase loco.

Recording of VCD isolation condition in Loco Memory. This has been done to ensure

that Loco pilots do not bypass the VCD.

Composite Converter housing both IGBT traction and hotel load converter in th same

cubicle for WAP-5 locomotives.

Common software for all the variants of 3-ø locomotives.

Drive gear system to increase the speed potential of WAP-5 up to 200 kmph.

Ten Commandments for Good Health

1. Take 4-6 liters of water daily-one liter immediately after waking up in the morning.

2. Go for motions for 2-3 times daily. (Ideal: equal to the no. of times we take food)

To facilitate smooth motions, take lukewarm Lemon juice/Bottle gourd

juice/Amla juice/Ash gourd juice in the morning.

Do Asanas /Exercises which put strain on ‘stomach’ so that motions for

second/third time are facilitated.

Fibrous foods like carrot, beetroot help in ‘smooth motions’.

Bad bacteria will be eliminated & immunity develops.

3. Do Asanas and Pranayama daily or play daily. By doing Asanas, all parts rather cells

get exercise whereas in games/walking only certain parts of body get exercise.

4. Asana procedure:

a. Close the eyes

b. Stay in the posture till you can bear, no minimum time

c. Breathe normally in the posture

d. Concentrate on the part of body being strained.

Pranayama --- Do at least kapalabhati & anuloma and vinuloma (nadi-suddhi) for 10

min. Pranayama before ‘asanas’ beneficial.

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5. Vitamin ‘B’ & ‘C’ – Cannot be stored in body. Hence to be taken every day.

Sources: Amla, Orange, milk, groundnuts, peanuts, Almond, coconut water, papaya,

lemon, un-milled rice, pomegranate, grapes.

Vitamin ‘B-2’ --- Our normal food lacks Vitamin B2.

Hence 10gms./day of grapes or pomegranate is must.

6. Eat seasonal fruits daily without fail. ex: mangoes, Custard apple, water melon, Guava,

orange, chickoo.

Eat green leafy vegetables daily. Take preferably sprouts, groundnuts, coconut water

and any fruit juice in breakfast.

Eat salad daily--- gives valuable minerals, vitamins & fibers.

Carrot/cucumber/radish/beetroot/kharjoora/lemon/tamota/amla/grapes.

7. Avoid alcohol & smoking. Avoid zero/negative prana foods i.e., brinjal & potato.

8. Salt & sugar considered as white poisons.

Take less salt – some salt is available in leafy vegetables.

Sugar patients- salt to be avoided totally.

9. Do’s & Don’ts

Do brush teeth after motions in the morning & after every meal.

Do wash feet whenever you enter house from outside.

× Do not take tea after breakfast/lunch/dinner & curd at night.

× Do not eat on newspaper while on travel.

× Do not use mineral water bottle for more than a week & plastic bottles like Pearl

pet make for more than 6 months to store liquids.

10. Always think positively. First accept a person as he/ she is & a situation as it is, then

think of ways of improving a person or situation. Involve 100% in all activities.

Photo Gallery

Demonstration of CBC

Working model to CEE/SC

on his visit on 04-05-2013

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Fire fighting demo by

trainees on 10-05-2013

RBA/BZA Sri Chiranjeevi is appreciated for translating this issue of Vignana Jyothi, in time.

Sumitranandan Panth Jayanthi was celebrated on 14-05-13

Sports & Cultural meet for RRB ALPs was conducted on 07-06-13