Special Function

[NW Mailing List]

Gordon,

Thanks for the further info in the track geometry car.  I saw it in Roanoke 
recently too.

Your statement that the previous self-contained track geometry car is now in 
the VMT in Roanoke puzzled me though.  I have not seen it in or near the 
museum.  In fact I was under the impression that Louisville Scrap cut it up 
several years ago despite the museum's oft-stated "understanding" that it 
was going to be given the car.  Can you give further information?

(I served on the museum's BOD in the early 90's and these supposed 
"understandings" between the museum management and potential donors were a 
continuing source of frustration as we watched several major items we were 
assured were destined for the VMT collection either disappear--usually 
scrapped--go to other collections, or be sold off.)

Thanks,

Sam Putney

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "NW Mailing List" <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org>
To: "NW Mailing List" <nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org>
Sent: Sunday, May 13, 2007 9:23 PM
Subject: Re: Special Function



> 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.

>>

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