Vents on Locomotives

[Konradh]

I've been told that these vertical black panels are vents. That makes sense, but why are there different heights and numbers on different locomotives? Engines I've seen have 5, 6, or 8, and they are all different heights. Thanks!

 

[bcp]

The short vents are to leave room for the door handles, and the brake wheel takes up vent space on the left side.

Bruce

 

[Konradh]

Thanks very much for answering! That's interesting. The thing I don't understand js why they're different on every engine. I could understand 3-4 styles for different size engines, but I've never seen two that are the same.

 

[bnsf971]

Thanks very much for answering! That's interesting. The thing I don't understand js why they're different on every engine. I could understand 3-4 styles for different size engines, but I've never seen two that are the same.

The internal components they are intended to serve are located in different places on different model locomotives.

 

[Konradh]

I'm surprised there's so much variation, but that definitely answers the question. Thanks.

 

[bnsf971]

I'm surprised there's so much variation, but that definitely answers the question. Thanks.

If for absolutely no other reason, patent law is a thing, and I remember Chrysler suing GM because the Hummer has the same number of vertical slots in the radiator grill as the Jeep.