The flat yellow thread got here this evening. We are so far out in the boonies...we are the second to last house on UPS's route !! This is the yellow thread I will be using as 'strapping' to hold down the pipe loads. So without further ado...here it is draped over a pipe load........... Flat yellow thread....regular black thread....regular yellow thread...
Thanks for the video, George. The pipe loads look great. It’s fun watching them rolling on the layout.
I've never actually paid much attention to a 1:1 pipe, timber, etc. load, but is it typical to not run the straps from the flatcar all the way over the top of the load? It just seems like running the straps from the flatcar deck all the way over the top of the pipe bundle would be more secure, and rely less on the supplier's straps to secure the upper portion of the load. It also seems more difficult (and dangerous?) for the loading crew to route the straps through the middle of the load, rather than toss them (or a lead rope with which to pull the strap) over the top to the other side. Finally, it would also seem that running the straps over the spacers between layers of pipes would put less bending stress on the pipe load itself. Or perhaps my ignorance misleads me... again. Thoughts?
Good question Andy ! I don't know why railroads just strap the lower run of pipes. It seems odd to me too. In trucking every strap went over the whole load. Straps are only about 30' long. Rail car loads are much higher and longer then truck loads so that can be a factor also. https://mexicomlogistics.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/istock-513814724.jpg Of course in trucking when I hauled pipe company policy was we used chains over pipes...not straps ! I never hauled 'coated' pipe so not sure if that makes a difference with using straps. Could be there is less lateral stress on railroad flatcar loads then flatbed loads in trucking. Turns aren't anywhere as sharp on tracks as on the road. All conjuncture on my part too. .
Here is a video on strapping down pipe on a flatbed trailer. At about the 8 minute mark You can see the bar they use to push the straps through the load. It is the same bar we use to pull chains through pipe loads or through reels. .
If the load allowed it large straps went through low and little straps over the top or louse parts. To each there own choice. Or the companies.
At normal viewing distances, 99% of folks couldn't tell the difference at 1:160 scale! And if someone mentions it, pull a Snidely Whiplash on em! Tie em to the rails!
Whew; that's a relief! I mean, Unitrack is practically bullet-proof and all, but that'd prolly tear it up somethin' fierce!
