I distinctly remember... or think I do... someone's project to make a rail-grinding train complete with flickering lights for the grinding and pumped smoke effect. I think this was before the 'sound' era, but reproducing the noises would be easy to do (via the Rapido method if necessary).
Seems to me that the manufacturers of model track equipment, some examples of which are large and complex, might be interested in making at least a compressed version of a rail grinding train...
That lends itself to 3D print if one can get scale drawings.
shane
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space
dehusmanThey are normally HEAVILY weathered
Pandrol Jackson Rail Grinder - Southbound Elkorn Rd. - Vincennes, Indiana - Fall of 1990 (Image No. 3) by Historic Railroad Images of the Vincennes Area, on Flickr
Regards, Ed
There are different versions of them depending on the era. They are normally HEAVILY weathered from all the grinding stone and steel dust/filings. They typically operate over a stretch for 3-6 hours over a 25-100 mile stretch of track in a "window". No other trains operate on that piece track in that period, except the grinder. In the summer months there will be a section gang or track inspector patrol behind them to put out any fires started by the grinder. In every town they pass through, anticipate at least one call to the police/fire department/railroad with a report of a "train on fire".
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
echohorn3135...What I want to know is this, is it possible to have a built replica of the operating Loram Rail Grinder (machine for shaping railroad tracks) on your layout??...
I'd guess that anything is possible, but it's not a project that I'd even attempt.
Here are some photos...
The pictures were taken in 2012, and the rail grinder went past once in operation, then later returned, not grinding rail on the second pass.
It's certainly an impressive piece of equipment.
Wayne