Our RHTT run their set route every day except sunday. The tanks can hold water or Sandite, which is a gritty mix which sits on the railhead. The boxy things on the cars are the pumps/controls which spray the water or sandite. The spraying is controlled from either locomotive, (the one which is leading). They are permanently plugged in to the treatment units. There is a locomotive on each end as the train reverses several times as it covers various routes during it's run.
I have some images of the RHTT I took a couple of years back at Didcot. The typical modelling shots. I should upload them for posting... :lightbulb: http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php/cat/1239
Nice photos, Gary. You would think the cost to buy and operate an RHTT would be far less than turning or replacing hundreds of wheels, let alone having 200+ cars out of service for weeks every Fall....?
Alan I watched a television show over here explaining how one company in Britain was planning to use lasers to burn the leafs or grime from the leafs off the rails. Did this ever materialize into a working system?
Thanks, Hank. Yes, you would think that the case, particularly when the design is such that it can be any things by simply replacing the modules. I think the RHTT can be used in a 'stone blower' mode as well. Owen, thanks for the heads-up on the laser method, I hadn't heard of it. Have a look at this link - http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQQ/is_8_44/ai_n6173517
I had not heard of the laser treatment tests either. If it is so far advanced, it is strange it has not been widely reported in the railway press. Great pictures, Gary. I have yet to see an RHTT standing still.
Just uploaded some pics of the FEA-N wagons used on the loco hauled RHTT's, and their specialist modules: http://ukrailrollingstock.fotopic.net/c1144926.html Didcot is a good place to watch them sit - two sets are based out of there and they are both scheduled out from late afternoon to early the next morning, so are easily catchable around there in daylight hours. The did both move during the day to go and refill the water tanks at the depot.
