Herzog hopper cars with small panels on top

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

Are these panels on each top end of the cars solar panels for FRED?

2

I believe thay supply power to operate the dumping mechanism.

3

A bit more information:

http://cs.trains.com/trn/f/111/t/276935.aspx

https://www.herzog.com/innovation/ballast-unloading-machine-for-new-track-construction/

Ed

4

Yes i thinkso thats what they are for the dumping mechanism

5

They power a GPS mechanism for determining where the train is and operating the dump doors on the train. Sometimes called a “satellite train”. It doesn’t need a MoW crew to dump ballast. It is just routed along and the train slows down in the dump areas and automatically dumps the ballast in the assigned area. Normally a MofW employee follows the train and monitors its dumping operation.

6

The dump itself (and return of the body) would be done with air; only the valves and GPS run off the battery. The panel appears similar to that used for solar-powered remote-control driveway gates…

7

https://www.herzog.com/innovation/ballast-unloading-machine-for-new-track-construction/

Looks like they’re hydraulic (accordign to the above). When I handled Herzog trains, there was never a 2nd air line between cars like our air dumps - just an electrical connection (and one of the hoppers had a generator installed in it).

8

That’s interesting, and I think sensible if close control over the dump angle is desired (as on dump trucks). The ‘key’ is the generator, which I hadn’t seen.

Thanks for the correct information.

9

Thankyou everyone for all the great information