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I have also restored the solar charging system unique
to SR local cabooses. The only electrical appliances on the local cabooses
were the two marker lights. These were powered by solar energy as opposed
to the axle generator systems installed on the road cabooses. This is due
in part to a local seeing mostly yard service and not much time on the
road at speeds great enough to generate much electricity for battery
charging. Below are some before and after photos of the solar panels and
battery bank.
In order to make the system operational again, I first had to test the
charging system. In 2003, I traced down the original manufacturer/vendor
of the solar charging system. I actually spoke with a gentleman who worked
for ARCO Solar on the SR caboose project in 1979 when the local cabs were
retrofitted with marker lights. Mr. Locke forwarded me the original
specifications for the ASI 16-2000 solar panels used on the caboose which
included the panel’s rated voltages and current. After a thorough
cleaning, I was able to test the panels with a volt-meter and found that
both panels still produced slightly less than the original rated voltage -
17 volts on one panel and 14 volts on the other.
The solar panels were originally covered with transparent plastic covers,
to keep water and dirt away from the panels. After much deliberation and
budget analysis, I finally decided not to fabricate new plastic panel
covers – pricing was in the neighborhood of $300 - $600 depending on the
vendor. I was shocked at the price of the plastic and the fabricating work
done for the covers. I studied several photos of SR cabooses and found
that in the early 80’s, the covers began to disappear from the cabooses in
the photos. In some late 80’s photographs, many cabooses did not even have
covers. It appeared that the railroad also decided not to replace the worn
and discolored covers with new ones and just let the panels withstand the
elements. I have tried to seal the banded edge of my panels with silicone
to help make them water resistant. I hope to keep them sealed, and plan to
clean them regularly, so that the covers will not be needed. If bad comes
to worse, I can buy one new waterproof solar panel that will outperform
the two existing panels. The cost for one new panel is approximately the
same as the cost of two new plastic covers.
To the best of my understanding, ARCO Solar has changed hands a few times
since 1979 and has been rolled into what is now Hutton Solar. I was able
to purchase a new charge controller which was smaller and better suited to
the elements. I purchased an ASC 12/8 by Specialty Concepts, Inc. from
Hutton Solar for $45. I’d like to thank Ms. Donna Vega at Hutton Solar for
her patience in answering many questions and for drawing a wiring diagram
needed for the restoration. As for the battery, I used a typical 12V size
24 deep cycle marine battery. The system was put in service on April 20,
2007. The operating marker lights really add some authenticity to the
caboose, especially when in service on the Calera and Shelby RR excursions
at the Heart of Dixie RR Museum.
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