FEC rock train?

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Its a "remote platform". It does not unload rocks or have anything to do with unloading the ballast cars. The remote control operator uses it like a "shove platform" (old caboose with the doors welded shut).
 
So, they still have to have a locomotive hooked up and pushing it then, right?

I'm still confused.

Is it a remote receiver, so the locos can be un-occupied?

Kyle
 


Kyle, the platform has control lines that go to the ballast cars. The operator uses the platform car to operate each car remotely so the ballast can dumped at the right spot. The ballast trains still need engines and an engine crew to operate the train since the cars have to moved to the right spots for the drops to be made.
 
Ooooooh... so this remote car controls the doors of hoppers then? Makes sense. I was thinking it was like a remote train, with a huge reciever (Southern style in the 70s and 80s) mounted behind the locomotives.

So it just remotely controls the hoppers dump doors then. Gotcha. Railroading can be cryptic at times...

Thanks!
Kyle
 
Indeed, railroads are always inventing new things to confuse us. :) The remote platform would usually be cut in behind a group of cars that needed to be dumped as the train moved along the tracks. This allows the dump operator to see what's going on. The remote platform will be moved around in the train as the cars are emptied. It's only behind the engines in the picture because it's an empty train.
 
Thanks Jim!

So how would they go about moving it then? Every few cars, they'd have to cut and switch up the train? Seems like a like of back and forth...

Kyle
 
Kyle, it does take some planning. The remote platform is usually cut in just before a cut of cars long enough to drop rock until the next siding. They'll drop the empties at the siding and then back the train and cut in the platform again. They only have to do this with fairly long ballast trains. If it's 30 cars of less, it can be handled without having to move the platform car.
 
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