by nyandw
Perhaps someone can identify the name/purpose of the fixtures (in the red boxes) on the ballast hoppers? Thxs
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by gamer4616
I believe the solar panels are used to charge batteries to run the communication equipment for the discharge doors to deposit a specific amount of ballast as needed.
by RandallW
Some ballast hopper fleets have automated discharge capabilities that allow for specific unloading flows to be remotely initiated, avoiding the need for a crew member to walk beside the car as it is unloading. Those structures are the solar panels used to keep the batteries for those systems charged.
by MACTRAXX
Steve - Did BM take any photos that further identify the ballast hoppers used during the Main Line
Third Track Project? As example HERZOG hoppers used in track construction projects for Amtrak
(and other railroads under contract) all have the angled solar panels as noted...MACTRAXX
Third Track Project? As example HERZOG hoppers used in track construction projects for Amtrak
(and other railroads under contract) all have the angled solar panels as noted...MACTRAXX
EXPRESS TRAIN TO NEW YORK PENN STATION-NO JAMAICA ON THIS TRAIN-PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING TRAIN DOORS
by RandallW
If these are Herzog cars, here is their description of the cars.
by nyandw
RandallW: Please post the description, again.
by RandallW
I think I found other photos of ballast work at what appears to be roughly the same time and place:
Photo by JFCiesla on Flickr
You can see the single operator using pushbuttons on the car side to control the ballast flow. It appears to me that he is dropping ballast between the rails where he is watching and to the outside the rails behind himself.
The solar panels that recharge the batteries allowing this control are visible at the ends of the hoppers. These hoppers have electrically actuated hydraulic controls on all chutes that can be controlled either from the side of the hopper or using a remote control.
That remote control capability does mean that Herzog can preplan ballast drops with railroads and drop controlled amounts of ballast in confined spaces using GPS and inertial navigation to avoid the need to have someone walk along side the train to drop ballast in tunnels and other dangerous spaces.
Photo by JFCiesla on Flickr
You can see the single operator using pushbuttons on the car side to control the ballast flow. It appears to me that he is dropping ballast between the rails where he is watching and to the outside the rails behind himself.
The solar panels that recharge the batteries allowing this control are visible at the ends of the hoppers. These hoppers have electrically actuated hydraulic controls on all chutes that can be controlled either from the side of the hopper or using a remote control.
That remote control capability does mean that Herzog can preplan ballast drops with railroads and drop controlled amounts of ballast in confined spaces using GPS and inertial navigation to avoid the need to have someone walk along side the train to drop ballast in tunnels and other dangerous spaces.
by nyandw
RandallW: Thank you.
by MACTRAXX
Steve - In addition I suggest that you view JFCiesla albums on his Flickr page...
He has posted a number of LIRR photo groups that vary from historical to more recent...
A good find by RW after looking at some of his pictures...The HERZOG hoppers were at Mineola
(Main Line Third Track Project - July 2021)
MACTRAXX
He has posted a number of LIRR photo groups that vary from historical to more recent...
A good find by RW after looking at some of his pictures...The HERZOG hoppers were at Mineola
(Main Line Third Track Project - July 2021)
MACTRAXX
EXPRESS TRAIN TO NEW YORK PENN STATION-NO JAMAICA ON THIS TRAIN-PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING TRAIN DOORS