Very cool photo. I often wonder why they're not building coal gondolas with trucks like these. I imagine gons of 160 to 180 ton capacity could be built and not be much longer than cars that are currently being used. So much more coal could be hauled with a train of the same length as whats common today. Railroads always want more capacity without adding more expensive infrastructure. 50% more wheels should add, I would guess, at least 35 to 40% more cargo capacity without increasing axle loading. 6-axle gons were common on the N&W and Virginian 100 years ago. It stands to reason that it should still be a viable option today.
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| Posted by on January 3, 2013 | |
Extra tonnage means more wear and tear on rails. Not to mention when that extra tonnage leaves mainline rail and hits a siding that can't handle those types of non mainline load. Its a compromise.
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May have something to do with what the utilities want, as they buy most of the coal cars. Their rotary dumpers may not be able to handle bigger cars.
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I notice from the frame that this truck is also articulated for going through curves, interesting! I live in Columbus, Ohio where this truck was made, and there is a model railroad club on the (Buckeye Steel) Columbus Steel Castings property in an old railroad tower off Parson Avenue where the plant is located, across the street (and on the other side of Rt. 104 underpass) from CSX's Parson's Yard
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