I spotted this unusual train of track maintenance equipment one day in early September of 2006.This machine and suppoirt train was spotted on the Belt Railway of Chicago just north of lake Street. I am not certain of what this is, but if anybody out there could give us a little insight...
it would be greatly apprerciated.
The Belt Railway of Chicago experiences many heavy freight trains daily over it's north -south line. It is important that equipment like this is on hand, to keep the roadbed, ballast and track in top shape. The M.O.W department plays an important part in a railroads support operations.
2 comments:
Hey Eddie,
That's a "shoulder ballast cleaner" from Loram. This big wheel on the side of the machine removes the stone on the side of the ties to a depth of 16 inches; then another part undercuts the stone under the ties a few inches. The ballast is carried up by conveyor, shaken and cleaned then dumped back down on the shoulder of the tracks.
This keeps the stone clean so water drains away properly.
Visit this link to learn more:
http://www.loram.com/FINAL_SBC.pdf
Wow!
That is really fascinating!
See? You can spend hours being trackside with Your camera, and still find something unfamiliar.
I am greatful for the many intelegent people like You who log onto My blog site.
Thanks Tom.
Eddie.
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