Interesting find

[NSCALEMIKE]

Came across this unit in Tehachapi yesterday (02/08/04). Harsco Track Technology. A former F40. Although, I guess it is still an F40 just ultra "detailed" smile.gif http://www.railimages.com/albums/mikecassidy/abb.sized.jpg

[Peirce]

Very interesting, and unusual. Good catch.

[NSCALEMIKE]

The following were some of the equipment on this train. http://www.railimages.com/albums/mikecassidy/abd.sized.jpg
http://www.railimages.com/albums/mikecassidy/abc.sized.jpg
http://www.railimages.com/albums/mikecassidy/abe.sized.jpg

[NSCALEMIKE]

Thanks Pierce!

[BoxcabE50]

Is that "F40" actually still self powered? Or is it used more as a control car?

:D

Boxcab E50

[NSCALEMIKE]

I am not sure Boxcab, there was one (F40) at both ends of this train...at the other end was the crew quarters, 2 former passenger cars.
http://www.railimages.com/albums/mikecassidy/abf.sized.jpg

[Derek]

That's a rail grinder consist isnt it?

I got some pics of a similar loco and train made by HTT from about a year back on Donner Pass. I'd get the pics up if I had a scanner. I don't seem to recall the loco on the one I saw looking much of anything like an F40-- but the similar- B-B units on both ends were the motive power, which is probably the case on those too... Thos grinder trains are fascinating hellish looking machinery. Too bad I didn't see it in action :( , though i think they were having problems with it and I got to chase it back and forth up and down the foothils a couple times :D

[chessie]

Great pics! I thought the stuff on the front was a brush guard tongue.gif

I can say I've not seen anything like that before!

Harold

[NSCALEMIKE]

Thanks Harold, the equipment on the front end of each loco, almost looks like firefighting apparatus.

[Derek]

Definitely firefighting equipement.

Take a look at the aussi-equivalent photos in another thread...

http://www.trainboard.com/ultimatebb.php/ubb/get_topic/f/58/t/000111.html

[NSCALEMIKE]

Thanks Derek, that makes sense now, especially in these dry and arid climates of Southern California.

[Alan]

Fascinating train! Those F40's are 'customised' in the extreme :D Great catch!

[E-8]

Any idea what that was formerly?

Charlie

[Peirce]

You beat me to the conclusion that the equipment on the front "porch" is for fire fighting. It would seem logical. Your additional pix also would lead to that conclusion.

[r_i_straw]

I saw one of these trains working outside of San Antonio, Texas last year. What a sight. I guess they must start a lot of grass fires with all the sparks from the grinding so they have guys on the lookout to hose any fires that might pop up.

[BoxcabE50]

They do start a few fires. And also they make just a little noise.......

:D

Boxcab E50

[r_i_straw]

Those stakes along the tank car are for holding used grinding disks. I guess they don't leave anything behind but a new rail surface and a lot of dust.
http://www.railimages.com/albums/mikecassidy/abc.sized.jpg

[Johnny Trains]

Man, that thing looks downright evil!

I think they need to resupply their disks too.