I'm looking for information about track scales. Where're the installed by the prototype. Do you found them in stub tracks or only in through tracks. What types are used in the 70's? Track scales with gauntled track? Wolfgang
Track Scales in Model Railroader There was an article on modeling HO scale track scales in Model Railroader, but I don't have the issue. I do remember that they use fine turnout points to actually route the car onto the "scale" weighing part of the track. In N scale, I took this concept and just soldered a length of code 55 track to the outside of my Peco code 55 track and placed another length on the inside like it was a re-railer. My N scale "scale" is non-functioning, but it captures the appearance of the real scale. An HO scale model would be capable of operating. Hipp Concrete Engineers scale in place. Lone Star Brewry gauntlet tracks Lone Star Brewry scale in operation. Not very hard to do if it doesn't function. The Model Railroader article was very detailed about use and function. "Railscales" seems to do well on a google search.
Such a track scale I've already build: My question goes more to the prototype. Did they install scales in stub end tracks? Since what time did they use in-motion scales? Are there any prototype pictures from in-motion scales? Wolfgang
Trainscales Oh. Oh, well. I did a google search and got the best results using "industrial track scales," but that brought up a bunch of manufacturers and current railroad operating policies. I couldn't find anything specific about the location of the scale in the operation or the history. Northeast Scales Mettler Toledo Perhaps specific industries would have track plans of their plant sites?
Weigh in motion scales came about 1961/62 There are three main types of scales. Static Weighing, Uncoupled In Motion (UCIM) and Coupled In Motion (CIM) Static Weighing involves the standard track scale, ie mecahanical or electronic. They can be anywhere from 50' to 150' long. They must have 25' concrete approach pads. UCIM scales are usually placed in hump yards or some flat switching yards. They can range from 7' to 150' in length CIM's are placed in the main line or a long siding. They are usually 7' long but there are restriction as to thier placement. CIM's must have 75' concrete approaches and installed in level, tangent track. Weighing speed is from 3 to 5 mph. Location is the key. Some yards will have the scale off to one side, while other will have a separate track. Hump yards will most likely have the scale near the top of the hump, but as it Conrails selkirk Yard it was in track 80 in the bowl. Most industrial scales are in or near the loading areas. some are inside buildings. Generaly speaking there should be access to both ends of a scale. Or at the least enough space to allow a scale test car to be cleared. I had one industry that had just enough clearance that the coupler wouldn't hit the bumper. John C. Durant EL, CR and NS Scale Inspector 1975 to 2001.
