What exactly did I take a picture of?

[Anonymous]

I was out in central Pennsylvania today and, on the way home, decided to swing by Horseshoe Curve while I was out there. I was really surprised at how many shiny new double stack cars and containers there were (and a pair of ancient 60' flats that somehow managed to survive). Anyhow, one of the trains had this:



In these parts, 99% of the trains I see are nothing but hoppers, so I've never seen whatever this is. Obviously its three container chassis in some kind of framework. Would I be correct in my reasoning that its a means of transporting new chassis around and that the frame is so they can be lifted from flats/spine cars? Are these frames reusable? The NS logo on it leads me to believe it is.

Also, does anyone else have pictures of something like this? I think it would make a very interesting model and would definitely like to pursue this.

[Anonymous]

Sounds to me like you nailed the answer yourself!!! Interesting photo!

[Anonymous]

Is it possible that this unit is lifted off and dropped on a set of wheels & axels? I've seen these stacked trailer frames being pulled down the highways but I'm afraid I've paid no attention as to how it was accomplished.

Wayne

[rogerhensley]

Looks like stacked trailer or container frames with their wheels loaded separately. They travel much better that way. :-)

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by NorthernStudio

I've seen these stacked trailer frames being pulled down the highways but I'm afraid I've paid no attention as to how it was accomplished.

I think they're stacked on flatbeds by large forklifts. I saw that once at a local company that repairs trailers, but I don't know if that's the standard for loading them.

[Anonymous]

Those may not be new chassis. They may well be, i believe after looking through my MR book on intermodal modeling, container spine trailers, there is a picture of a very similar looking container spine trailer, albeit with BN lettering in the book. I would assume that it may be a way of getting trailers from one port to another cheaper/quicker than hauling then across-country behind a tractor unit.
there is also a picture of a large, very odd looking forklift type truck in the book with row after row of these type of chassis stacked up behind it in an ope-air storage facility so i would assume that they may also use something similar to that to load it onto the car.

[Anonymous]

That is a roadrailer train.