What is a locomotive top deck repair?

Answer 1

Locomotive "top deck" or "top end" repair refers to repairing, replacing, or otherwise maintaining certain of the more easily accessible components of the locomotive, or components that may need servicing more often (e.g., moving or rotating components), typically in the context of the engine system of the locomotive.

Examples of such components include fuel injectors/valves, spark plugs, piston rings and other engine cylinder components, turbocharger components, and the like, which are usually found in the upper (and more easily accessible) region of the engine, hence "top deck." Components that would be less likely to be serviced during top deck maintenance include crankcase components.

In contrast to top deck maintenance, a complete overhaul might involve completely removing and disassembling an engine and related crankcase/drive train components.