Prakash Tendulkar, February 2001

These are the pictures taken inside RPC (Resistance Power Control) compartment of motor-coach. As EMU starts, traction motors go through a transition of series, series-parallel and parallel. (Inductive shunts are disconnected in EMUs by car sheds because these rakes haul well above normal workload.)

Depending upon workload, # of starts, weather and driving style of motorman, the resistors get too hot at times and catch fire. Though such fires are normally harmless for passengers, they certainly get scared. In one such incident, a ladies special from CCG - BVI was waiting at home signal. When it started moving, sparks from RPC compartment scared ladies traveling in that motor-coach, they jumped off the coach for safety. Little did they realize that they were jumping in front of Churchgate bound train that was accelerating. Needless to say, several lives were lost.

Access to RPC requires HT circuits to be disabled first for safety. The interlock switch located above the door can be operated by reverser spanner used by motorman that remains locked till the door is closed. Several years back, I traveled in a driving cab of 1950 Metro Cammell rake that had driving motor-coaches. Motorman opened the RPC door for me using a private handle. The rhythm of relays operating resistors and firing sound of EP valves changing TM transitions is so melodious. I miss it.

   LT (Low Tension) wiring that connects various relays and EP (Electro-pneumatic) valves.

  These relays operate HT (High Tension) ceramic resistor during each traction motor combinations.

  Same panel from another motor-coach.

  Banks of LT Resistors

  Transition Relays and EP Valves.

  Close up of pantograph and roof top gear of EMU.

This picture was taken from balcony of Carshed office. A down local is passing by.

  WCAM2 is hauling an express train.

  A down fast local traveling with the same express train.

Down slow, fast locals and an express train traveling in the same direction.