Hi-rail vehicles

[samfp1943]

BOB WITHORN

Being from Flint, Mi., where they build a 'few' pickups, mostly the HD series. I know GM had an option code for HI-Rail pickups, probably still does. It shortened the the rear axle to match the rail gauge. Years ago I believe they told me they were the only mfg that offered it as an option. Other brands were modified by custom converters after assembly.

 

To what Bob Withorn noted: The Ford Plant to the west if I65 south of Louisville used to host a pretty large ' conversion' operation.. I know around here there are several who offer 'conversions' for work truck applications.   I would suspect that each railroad may use either in-house or contractors to do their Hi-Rail conversions.  Was looking at a couple of BNSF signal maintainer trucks and they seemed to have commercial style utility bodies, and the vehicles used for other purposes. track inspections,etc. were of the large pick-up (3/4 or 1 ton 'Super Duty' models with Hi-Rail conversions).  The larger Brandt MOW Hi-Railers are probably,ready, straight from the factory(?).   We've had track gangs working East of us, and there has been a lot of Hi-Rail traffic back, and forth as well as a large LORAM grinding train working as well.

[BaltACD]

While a Hi-rail, on track, may handle 'as if it was on rails', it doesn't withstand the G loadings of high speed operation.

 

They also don't have much braking power when their bed is loaded with rail supplies and they are towing a trailer of rail in territory with grades.

 

[BOB WITHORN]

Being from Flint, Mi., where they build a 'few' pickups, mostly the HD series. I know GM had an option code for HI-Rail pickups, probably still does. It shortened the the rear axle to match the rail gauge. Years ago I believe they told me they were the only mfg that offered it as an option. Other brands were modified by custom converters after assembly.

[pajrr]

I rode a 1965 Pontiac Hi-Rail Station Wagon. We hit wet leaves. It was a challenge!

[Paul of Covington]

   Speaking of high-rails, how is the traction in wet weather?  It seems to me that traction between wet rubber tires and polished rails must be practically non-existent.

[mudchicken]

Wheelbase almost never changes, the front and rear track change a bunch so that the steel wheels (ie-rims) can center enough of the tire over the rail for traction and braking.

(It is fun to watch the smaller (midsize) trucks require fender surgery to accommodate the high-rail wheels in the up (highway) position. First time I saw it was in the late '80's with the first Dakota Jeep and Ranger vehicles. - Fairmont, Mitchell. Dymax Martin and the others all manage it slightly different)

Your turning radius goes to pot because of the tire & wheel changes and if somebody has not modified the suspension to handle the extra weight and height differences you wallow around like a lumber wagon.

Used hi-rails usually are scrap-bait at the end of their careers  with engines, brake systems and especially transmissions shot.

Half ton trucks should not ever be converted to high-rails IMHO. The suspensions on those are already maxed out (and then some) when you add the extra weight of the high rail gear.

(Operating supervisors, Trainmasters, RFE's, Supt's etc tend to be hell on hi-rail gear (esp shunts, hi-rail wheel tread, swing arms etc and they don't get that those small guidewheels over 35MPH with almost no flange are a risky proposition.)

[tree68]

They are pretty normal - just a regular pick up with hi-rail wheels installed.  

[tincansailor]

Do Hi-rail (MOW) trucks, in particular 1/2 -  1 ton pickups have shorter wheel bases to accommodate them for use while riding the rails? if so, what happens to them after their usefulness on the railroad is over? Are they legal with the shorter wheelbase?