To classify as a dimensional load on Canadian National, it must exceed one of the following - 3.05 metres width, 4.57m height, exceed car length or exceed 90,720 kg. Dimensional Classification D1 - D3 -- 3 to 3.7 metres - regular train service D4 - D6 -- 3.7 to 4.1m - dimensional train service D7 - D9 -- greater than 4.1m - special train service
D9 Dimensional load CN train #317 at 10:10 on 2005/02/08 MP 281.6 Kingston sub. (near Newtonville) D9 dimensional load trains are limited to 40 km/hr. Any train with a D9 dimensional load must be stopped before another train can pass on an adjacent track. Passenger trains must pass a D9 dimensional at less than 15 km/hr. CN 4809 GP38-2(W), two ballast cars, Hydro One Schnabel car HEPX 200 and Hydro One van HEPX 79640. Hydro One Schnabel car HEPX 200 was built by National Steel Car in Hamilton Ontario and placed in service in 1976/04. This car has two 4 wheel trucks and two 6 wheel trucks. Van Hydro One HEPX 79640 was built by CN/PSC in 1974. As always, these special loads are only transported when the weather is poor, in this case a light rain and lots of mist off the lake. Please excuse the poor pictures.
I have a real liking for Schnabel cars, and have been considering making a kit for one for ages now. Not sure I will ever get around to it! What are the two hoppers for? Barrier cars to spread axle load away from the locomotive, maybe? Lucky catch, or did you know of the movement?
Nick, It is a transformer. Alan, Railway regulations require the additional rolling stock re braking and weight distribution. Lucky catch? There are a couple of railfans along the CN and CP mainlines who phone each other when there is a movement like this. Today was one of those days. I had to drive to two different locations as the fog was quite thick this morning, but the car scanner helped me keep pace. Cheers, Milne
