RailImages pix of the week for December 20, 2006. I have selected a variety of prototype railfan images for this week. The first is from Honogurai's album, featuring rail action in Poland. The second is from our young member NSfan14, who has been using his early Christmas present, digital camera, and has a nice action shot of Amtrak. The third is from Tractorgirl in the UK, and I would like to know what that piece of rail equipment is, Carolyne. The fourth is a shot I have admired since it was taken in 2002 of SP 4449 crossing the Menefee trestle in Portland. Michael Christy added it to his RI album this past week. I hope you all enjoy them. Honogurai's shot SM30-231, Tarnow-Szczucin, Poland http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php/ppuser/7012/cat/500 Honogurai's site NSfan14's Amtrak shot http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/6531/sl/n NSfan14's RI site Tractorgirl P1010023 Carolyne, what is this? http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/1520/sl/t tractorgirl's site Michael Christy's shot on the Menefee trestle http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/208/sl/s That's Michael's site on RI
Thank you Jim...I missed you the second week at Oak Park. I caught the 700 in Vancouver and the 4449 in Oak Park...Early Christmas for me that day.
Jim, the shot is of a class 66, UK version of the SD70. Parked up at the Ipswich yard. There are 3 main freight companies that operate with these locos within the UK. Freightliner (as above) EWS (English, Welsh & Scottish railways) and GBRF (Great Britain Railfreight). Cheers for posting the pic!
Carolyne, is the size of the 66 restricted due to clearances allowed by tunnels and bridges that were built during the mid and late 19th Century? Photos of SD-70's show what appear to be a large locomotives when compared to photos of 66's.
Some of the big Australian GEs are smaller than the US because of the tunnel restrictions around Sydney. When I say, "smaller," I mean lighter in weight. The actual length of the wheelbase and the locomotive is about the same as the US. I expect the UK engines might be the same. Carolyne's picture looks like a pretty big engine, to me. The cab arrangement (eminently logical, BTW) makes it impossible for me to have identified it as an SD70.
Flash, my impression is that the 66 is lower in height, and perhaps narrower than the -70, making it seem longer...which I'm sure it's not, just looks that way.
The class 66 is indeed smaller than similar US machines, as our loading gauge is somewhat smaller. The SD70 engine has fewer cylinders to keep it shorter and lighter and is not so powerful because of this. It was quite an achievement to fit everything into our restrictive gauge there really is not much spare space inside the body! Due to UK axle-load restrictions a smaller fuel tank was fitted than desired, to save some weight. Max speed is 75 mph.
Alex, that's exactly why I chose it--it clearly shows SPEED as the train was racing past you. :teeth:
Yeah i have a few cool videos to that i took of trains doing about 60-70 MPH thru there its hard to get pictures of a train going that fast
