This sign on a SD80MAC means it can move a short distance on battery power through one traction motor.
Walter Fertsak
Q In Cresson, Pa., this year, I saw a SD80MAC with a little plate above the first axle. What does this signify?
— Walter Fertsak, Austria
— Walter Fertsak, Austria
A Spotter Control is a locomotive on-board system used most often to move a locomotive in a shop area. It puts battery power through one traction motor so a locomotive can be moved a short distance, eliminating the need to start the locomotive’s prime movers. It is particularly helpful when a locomotive needs to be “spotted” at an exact location in a shop, such as on a wheel drop table or wheel truing machine.
— Eric Powell
