Special Function

[NW Mailing List]

Several people have posted correct information about NS 34 research vehicle, 
so here are just a few more details furnished by a member of the NS Research 
& Test Dept.

This vehicle represents a fundamental difference of philosophy about 
measuring track geometry.  Some railroads and agencies use a relatively 
lightweight, self-propelled vehicle for that purpose, whereas NS, and 
possibly others, believe that the geometry should be measured when the track 
is deflected as if under a loaded car.  Hence the use of a ballasted former 
slug as instrument car NS 34.

Lasers on NS 34 measure such things as rail head contour (indication of 
wear), rail cant and gauge.  Gyros and other sensors measure such things as 
alignment of each rail, elevation of each rail, etc.  The output of the 
sensors are sent by wire and fiber optics to NS 33 for analysis and 
recording.

NS 34 furnishes the electrical power for NS 33, and its shortened fuel tank 
is clearly visible in the photos.  Putting the power generator on NS 34 
provides a quiet environment for the R & T crew in NS 33.

Using a former slug for the instrument car eliminates the problems 
experienced with the previous NS self-contained track geometry car, which is 
now in the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke.  Because that car 
incorporated all of the sensors, it was heavily ballasted, and the heavy 
weight caused the truck frames to occasionally develop cracks that had to be 
repaired.

Gordon Hamilton

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "NW Mailing List" <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org>
To: <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org>
Sent: Saturday, May 12, 2007 9:10 AM
Subject: Special Function



> Train 904 came into Bristol yesterday afternoon. I posted a shot to

> RailPictures.net and have received an inquiry as to what is the special 

> car

> behind the GP 38.

>

> Can someone advise the exact function of Research Car No. 34?

> I attach two photos.

>

> Many thanks,

>

> Mike Pierry, Jr.

>

> _________________________________________________________________

> Make every IM count. Download Messenger and join the i'm Initiative now.

> It's free. http://im.live.com/messenger/im/home/?source=TAGHM_MAY07

>



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



> ________________________________________

> NW-Mailing-List at nwhs.org

> To change your subscription go to

> http://list.nwhs.org/mailman/options/nw-mailing-list

> Browse the NW-Mailing-List archives at

> http://list.nwhs.org/pipermail/nw-mailing-list/



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.7.0/801 - Release Date: 5/12/2007 
6:40 PM