Home · Maps · About

Home > SubChat

[ Post a New Response | Return to the Index ]

(1571891)

view threaded

PHOTOS; Lime Line

Posted by kp5308 on Wed Mar 24 20:51:15 2021

A line of brand new Amtrak ballast hoppers was on the Dyers Quarry siding at Gibraltar a few weeks back posing for me to do a detailed photo shoot. Remember the days when revenue service equipment was demoted or modified for MOW service before retirement? Not any more! These cars are state of the art so let's take a look at some of the features Amtrak selected.
AMTK 12857

But first, some views of the lettering on the cars:
AMTK 12852 Builder sticker
AMTK 12852 information stencil
AMTK 12852 solar panel detail
AMTK 12852 Brake system tag

The hoppers are outfitted with a Miner Solar Powered Stand-Alone Electric AggreGate system. Solar panels on the B end and a larger single panel on the "C & D" side of the car feed storage batteries mounted on the center sill between the discharge chutes:
AMTK 12857

Also on that side of the car is the larger solar cell. I couldn't find any specs or manufacturer information on these panels:
AMTK 12857

The "A & B" side of the sill has the remote control receiver gear for operation of the electrically powered discharge chutes via a hand held controller. From right: Miner Power Brace Controller Box...Ameresco Solar Storage Battery Box...Cattron Remote Control Receiver Pack (2 boxes):
AMTK 12857

Electrical piston detail show the top 2 control inside the rail discharge and the bottom 2 are for outside the rail. IMO that is a lot of open cable that can get damaged:
AMTK 12857

Instructions for remote and manual operation of the system are posted on both sides of the car:
AMTK 12852 Instructions

Along with safety reminders:
AMTK 12852 safety sticker

For more information scan this:
Discharge system builder's sticker

"Builder's Shot" of the "A & B" side show pretty much a standard design modern ballast hopper:
AMTK 12839

The "B" end has the 2 smaller solar panels at top right of the hopper with the air reservoir below and a protective housing for the brake valve below that. Standard modern brake wheel on the left:
AMTK 12857

Empty "A" end has platform to top of hopper ladder manufactured of steel L beam stringers and drop grab irons. I don't think they are called "irons" anymore but I don't know the new term if there is one. Also note the 2 piece support made of slightly different sized (from the ladder beams) L channel for the end sheet:
AMTK 12852

One last observation based on the last image: note how much of the car is bolted together












Post a New Response

(1571894)

view threaded

Re: PHOTOS; Lime Line

Posted by Jersey Mike on Wed Mar 24 21:03:17 2021, in response to PHOTOS; Lime Line, posted by kp5308 on Wed Mar 24 20:51:15 2021.

Great catch and explanation.

Post a New Response

(1571910)

view threaded

Re: PHOTOS; Lime Line

Posted by TransitChuckG on Thu Mar 25 02:29:18 2021, in response to Re: PHOTOS; Lime Line, posted by Jersey Mike on Wed Mar 24 21:03:17 2021.

I agree. Great stuff!

Post a New Response

(Sponsored)

iPhone 6 (4.7 Inch) Premium PU Leather Wallet Case - Red w/ Floral Interior - by Notch-It

(1571912)

view threaded

Re: PHOTOS; Lime Line

Posted by kp5308 on Thu Mar 25 07:26:45 2021, in response to Re: PHOTOS; Lime Line, posted by TransitChuckG on Thu Mar 25 02:29:18 2021.

I saw a set come in about 2 month ago but didn't have the time to shoot it. IIRC Amtrak ordered 350 to 400 of these so I figured at some point I would get another chance. In researching this order I discovered that finding information of any kind on "mundane" Amtrak MOW equipment is a tough deal.

Thanks for looking

Post a New Response

(1571922)

view threaded

Re: PHOTOS; Lime Line

Posted by https://salaamallah.com/ on Thu Mar 25 12:55:57 2021, in response to PHOTOS; Lime Line, posted by kp5308 on Wed Mar 24 20:51:15 2021.

NICE PHOTOS

Post a New Response


[ Return to the Message Index ]