How would a modern boxcar be accessorized?
Built in End of Train Lights and Device.
The end of train indicator lights would be Light Emitting Diodes that are positioned to outline the boxcar.
The End Of Train Device would be built in such a manner that crews would only need to throw a switch to activate it
The Roof of the Boxcar would have Photovoltaic panels to power the Lights and Device.
This is how I would accessorize a Boxcar to make it truly modern.
Andrew
Shackles are always a nice accessory for boxcars… [}:)]
(Sorry…I just spent 12 1/2 hours at work and am getting a bit slap happy…couldn’t resist!)
So now, in addition to the already time-consuming brake tests, one would have to add a trip along the length of the train to be sure the lights are turned off in the middle of the train (both ends of every car), and only the device that is actually at the end of the train is turned on.
Why not just keep the current EOT devices with their air and electronic connections with the locomotive, and have red reflectorized patterns on the car ends (similar to the yellow or white on the sides), eliminating the need and expense for photovoltaic cells.
Perhaps something along the lines of GPS might be more cost-effective.
So shackle me!
Why mess with a good thing? It’s a boxcar, not like it really needs to be that modern with solar pannels and lights and everything.
Once you’ve got a proven machine, the next logical move is to make it more productive (look at the evolution of the diesel locomotive.) Find a way to make a cheaper, stronger, lighter and more durable boxcar, and you’re set. However this isn’t even that big of an issue right now as specialized cars like coalporters, covered hoppers and auto racks are in much higher demand right now than the boxcar.
Cheers!
~METRO
The photovoltaic panels would charge up batteries that would power the Light Emitting Diodes whenever the light dims. Two different color diodes would illuminated depending on the direction of the train. No need to turn them off. They would increase visibility.
Andrew
Why would you want to add all of the complexity and cost to boxcars?
Why not just try to make a solar powered TED instead?
I’ve seen plenty of boxcar roofs…
Those photocells would last about 30 seconds before a forklift hits the underside of the roof and blows them off, or they get fouled by coal dust, rock dust, sand, trees, etc.
As pointed out, what about cost…an EOT costs 3 or 4 grand. Add that cost to each car, and you’re talking millions, plus the added maintance costs.
What do you do when the device fails? You’d have to switch the cars around to get a good marker. EOT’s are suppose to be dump tested before leaving the intial terminal, they also need to be calibrated once a year. Could you image the logistical nightmare of having to calibrate every car every year.
All and all, why mess with what works.
Nick
The photovoltaic cells would fall off even if clamped tightly on 3 or 4 sides?
Unintentional abuse to boxcars is more severe than it looks.
Andrew
The company I worked for made communications equipment for the Mercury, Geminii, and Apollo space craft, as well as the Space Shuttle and other things that had to endure the “G”-forces of rocket lift-off.
They got into the business of RR-car telemetry and to be sure the equipment would withstand the rigors of the RR, they outfitted some RR-cars with “G”-force measuring equipment. Most of the measurements went off the top of the scale… the equipment was not designed to measure such high magnitude shocks!!