Orange M3?

[cam36]

Hi all,

I was headed eastbound and passed the Hillside facility around 8:20pm last night and noticed an orange M3 (i think it was an M3, we were moving pretty quick) in one of the bays. Anyone know what this is for? I've never seen it before.

Thanks!

[cam36]

I managed to snap a quick photo as I was passing- apologies not the best quality. Anyone know what this is used for?

[Backshophoss]

Could that be the "new" Sandite car?

[BuddR32]

Looks like 9918, its not orange, on purpose. Its either the reflection of something, or it was stained somehow.

[inthebag]

You weren't seeing things. That's the new sandite/alcohol car. It's been painted in Texas Longhorn Orange with white stripe, with some horns affixed by the headlights for a certain SVP Operations.

[cam36]

You weren't seeing things. That's the new sandite/alcohol car. It's been painted in Texas Longhorn Orange with white stripe, with some horns affixed by the headlights for a certain SVP Operations.

Thanks! What exactly does this car do?

[Backshophoss]

Sprays alcohol on the 3rd rail to remove snow/ ice, sprays a solution of sand on the running rails to stop wheel slipping or spinning.
Wonder how long it will stay orange? Both materials can be hard on the paint job.

[nyandw]

Sprays alcohol on the 3rd rail to remove snow/ ice, sprays a solution of sand on the running rails to stop wheel slipping or spinning.
Wonder how long it will stay orange? Both materials can be hard on the paint job.

http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirr/lirrmow.htm#Alcohol%20Cars
Sandite is a sticky, slimy goo stuff. These are a set of cars that were converted with large tanks inside. They're used during the fall/winter. The cars drop the sandite on the railhead and it helps with traction. Alcohol is used on the 3rd rail to prevent freeze ups. #2907 and #2909 are alcohol cars. Paul Strubeck


Photo: Mario Craig

Be sure to photo this in the orange!

[DogBert]

Has this thing made any public appearances yet, especially now that it's leaf season?