Train nose-cone to deflect moose
SOMERSET, U.K. – A Somerset engineering firm has developed a moose-proof device to help a Swedi***rain company keep its trains running to time, according to the BBC.
W and J Tods of Crewkerne designed the detachable nose-cone protector to fit on to the front of trains.
It acts as an impact-absorber, repelling the moose without injuring them while keeping passengers safe.
Every year engines on the Arlanda Express Airport rail link in Stockholm go out of service after hitting moose.
Tom Hitchings, Director of Tods Mass Transit Business, said: “In the event of one of these animals – which can weigh up to 1.5 tons – being hit at speeds of 125 mph, the impact is absorbed and deflected and a major catastrophe is avoided.”
A contract for 20 of the nose cones has been secured.
(This item appeared on the BBC website Aug. 12, 2004.)
I just hope the moose don’t get used to the friendly trains. They’ll start to gather and use it as a thrill ride.
Perhaps if this doesn’t work they will resort to a less humane solution. Placing a large pointed rod on the front of the train would be very effective, and would thin the herd in the process.
Moose kabobs are now being served in the dining car.[:O][:P][dinner][:-,][(-D][:D][;)]
Maybe CN should invest in a few for the northern routes the’ve just inherited from BC Rail !!!
Thinks !! Never seen any moose last time I was in Crewkerne !!!
Reminds me of one of Mark Twain’s tall tales … about the train that was so slow that he suggested to the conductor that they should take the cow catcher from the front of the locomotive and put it on the back of the last car, because at the speed they were going “we aren;t going to catch many cows … but there is nothing to prevent from from climbing onboard at the back door.”
Dave Nelson
in the rr hobby store the other day a CN engineer was discussing the problem they have with moose on the tracks. In the winter the snow is very deep so the moose use the roadbed for their highway., and with a train coming they can’t out run it. One engineer started to blow the horn and the moose turned around and charged into the engine causing serious damage to the engine. Engineers are told not to blow the horn but just keep going. Several years ago when traveling on the Canadian, a conductor told me that if they hit a moose in the Rockies they hose down the front of the engine at New Westminster before coming into Vancouver as it’s a pretty gruesome sight for passengers to see all the blood and gore. In Newfoundland the transport trucks have a heavy steel grill installed in front of their radiators to protect the trucks. those who have these grills get a reduction on their insurance.