World's Biggest Train!

Alan Oct 31, 2001

  1. Alan

    Alan Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    In the current Trains Magazine, is a photo and report of a run by BHP Iron Ore, of a train that was four and a half miles long, weighing 109,705 tons :eek:

    It was powered by all eight of BHP's GE AC6000 units, spread throughout the train in DP mode.

    A new world record for the longest and heaviest train!
     
  2. mepham

    mepham TrainBoard Member

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    The mind boggles on how one discharges all that ore? At the Pt Augusta Power Station I have been led to believe that they completely rotate the coal wagons upside down in a cradle without disconnecting them from the train. The grain trains I work with are far less sophisticated with bottom opening valves. Each of our largest wagons takes approximately 4 - 5 minutes to discharge. Imagine how long it takes BHP.

    :confused:
     
  3. Alan

    Alan Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    If the cars do have rotating couplers as they do in the USA with coal gons, the unloading can be quite quick, but it is a L-O-N-G train to empty :eek:
     
  4. watash

    watash Passed away March 7, 2010 TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    I figured they would use a Kirby vacuum sweeper to suck it all into bags like I do! :D
     

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