Patent attributes
Systems and methods are provided for retrofitting, or producing, a truck assembly with a traction motor to propel a rail car or other vehicle. A traction drive frame assembly is an integrated unit combining the traction motor with its transmission means, an arrangement that prevents the traction drive frame from rotating when the traction motor is powered. The traction motor can be positioned in a space between a bolster and an axle of the truck assembly, and a jackshaft assembly can be positioned outside of the space. Then, one or more gears, pulleys, chains, etc. between the traction motor and the jackshaft assembly provide mechanical advantage and amplify torque transmitted from the traction motor to the jackshaft assembly. A second operable connection between the jackshaft assembly and the axle amplifies the torque a second time such that a relatively small traction motor propels a rail car or other vehicle.
