traction motors of dead-in-consist locomotives being transported within a train traveling too fast. Another cause is replacement of worn or damaged traction motors with units incorrectly geared for the application. Damage from overloading and overheating can also cause bird-nesting below rated speeds when the armature assembly and winding supports and retainers have been damaged by the previous abuse. Cooling Because of the high power levels involved, traction motors are almost always cooled using forced air, water or a special dielectric liquid. Typical cooling systems on U.S. diesel-electric locomotives consist of an electrically powered fan blowing air into a passage integrated into the locomotive frame. Rubber cooling ducts connect the passage to the individual traction motors and cooling air travels down and across the armatures before being exhausted to the atmosphere. Manufacturers See also Electric motor Electric vehicle Electric vehicle battery Electric vehicle motor Induction motor & Three-phase AC railway electrification Torque and speed of a DC motor Diesel-electric transmission References Bibliography External links "Deconstructing a traction motor - Associated Rewinds (Ireland) Limited" Image of a nose mounted traction motor on an R46 New York City Subway car. The motor can be clearly seen behind the axle with the gear box with the writing on it in the center. Another nose mounted traction motor on a wrecked R38 Subway car. Coney Island Truck Repair shop; many pictures regarding traction motors Detached truck with Traction Motors. Locomotive parts Electric motors