Spotted this little critter next to a larg-ish grain elevator. Looks like they use it to move their hoppers around. Also looks like it can be used on regular roads. Thanks William
Generically, it's called a Trackmobile. And you're right, it's used to moved freight cars around an industrial complex like a grain elevator. I suspect they cost a bit less to operate than a switcher. Pat
These come in varied shapes and sizes. We have one here at the elevator in town. Have never bothered to take a picture. Maybe I should......... Boxcab E50
Now that pic leads me to another question I've had in mind for a while. Do these things (and indeed the 'high-railer' trucks used on the mainlines) need a 'grade-crossing' type of interchange to get on/off the rails? Or could the one shown above just transfer where he is now?
From what I understand, the tires come down and the wheels raise up, so there is no requirement for a designated switch-over location. Also, they have the ability to gain traction and stay relatively lightweight by way of a special coupler with hydraulics that tries to lift the car it's coupled to, transfering that weight to the Trackmobile's drivers. Sorta cool machine.
I did a search on Trackmobile and came up with this: http://www.trackmobile.com/TM_Models.htm Didn't see the particular model in the photograph, though. Which of course led me to wonder... do they have a competitor? William
But I did come up with this: http://www.whiting.ca/trackmobile/used.html Looks like it's a Trackmobile #9TM. Thanks for pointing me inthe right direction, Pat! Hey Boxcab, why don't you post a pic or two? THanks again, guys! William
Well, as mentioned, I'd need to go take them. I'm notoriously poor at doing that... When I do, it's slides. And I don't have a scanner. Yet. Our high temperature today was 2 below zero. Fourteen below now. And they say as much as thirty below by morning. So, I don't think I'll be wading through the snow for a while. But I really should as soon as it warms a few degrees... Boxcab E50
What!? You mean you don't go for wind sprints every morning in the balmy weather? Oh, that's right, the darn camera freezes up - how could I forget? William
Yes. I goofed when I bought my camera. I didn't get the optional railfan winterization package. Boxcab E50
It's a specialized tamper. Looks like one I've watched previously. If so, the claw in the middle of the unit pulls the tie and plate up tight to the rail, then it packs ballast underneath. Much easier, and quicker than doing it by hand with bars. Which I have done..... Boxcab E50
Darn, So that's where I left my lunch. As far as the Trackmobile, I've seen them operate in several industries, Chemical, Paper Mills, etc. Seems that the little guys are alot cheaper to buy and operate than a real switcher.
we have something similar here in queensland, ive been meaning to get a photo of it, theyre different looking to the one in this photo. i'll try get a pic of one next time im out and share it here.
