The Track Renewal Train Thread

[fcnrwy23]

The Track Renewal Train Thread

With my work on our club layout (MNSE) winding down and the NSE convention over.  I am making an attempt to get back into resuming my MOW modeling again.
This project was actually the Fourth item on my list.  My Third item, The Ditch Cleaning Train, (DCT) has hit some snags and so is in a "Holding" pattern.  I will be starting a Thread on the DCT as the snags are undone.

The Track Renewal Train was actually started about 20+ years ago.  It was my first large modeling attempt and like my recent work, it is not "Super Detailed'.  I seem to model things to a certain degree and usually figured to return to it and add more details, later.  Whenever that is..


The TRT as of June 2002

This particular model, a P811.  Got its start from the VHS video by Green Frog Productions.  "I've been Working On the Railroad" (1995), which had been released the year before.   The train is extensively shown in the video and I ended up going through two tapes (stretching them out) in the pursuit of modeling details.  (This was BEFORE, I had access to the internet).  A DVD version of the tape was released just a few years ago, so I made sure to acquire a newer copy.
I have over the years, tried to find any drawings or illustrations of this train or the similar TRT -909 unit, online.  but, to no avail.

What this train does:
These trains are used to facilitate a complete change-out of a track section, usually a Mile a day.  The machines (in one pass) remove the old ties and rail, redress the roadbed and lay new ties and rail.  All this is being done, with the "Front" of the train riding on the OLD rail, while the "Rear" is the first to polish the NEW rail.
Harsco (Fairmont Tamper) has a P811 and a TRT, UP uses a TRT (which I think is the Harsco one), while Amtrak has it's own P811(They call it a "TLM" Tie Laying Machine).

Because the train is not described in detail on the tape and I can not find any documents online.   I will be giving my own "guesstimations"  on most of the different parts of the train.
Addition posts will show parts of this train, that I have already built and will explain what those parts do.  I have and will be making additions to this train as I upgrade it from it's original configuration.
If anyone has corrections or comments feel free.

Next Up..  Cab and Main Body...

[fcnrwy23]

Cab and Main Body

This thread on the TRT, will be posted a lot faster than previous projects, since this is a "Upgrade" and not a "First-Build"..

Construction:
The construction of the Main Body was as follows...
"Spine" consists of "Rectangular" styrene stock, three pieces, cut and beveled to achieve the correct profile.
"Support crossbars and Brackets" are from "Dimensional" stock pieces.
"Tie Guide Rails" are "Angled" stock.
All the "Piping" was from "Rod" stock pieces and the "Hydraulic hoses" are "Black Thread" (from an old ship kit, that I had kept on hand.)



In upgrading the train to current condition.  I have made the following changes and added the following items...

*I have shorten the height of the Cab.  Removing the need for the windows, since the upgraded train will be getting a "Power/Tool Car".  Which will be placed before the Cab/Main body section, in the new configuration.  The access doors have been relocated and handrails have been included, in the upgrade.
*Induction Heating Elements (the trend is to "Pre-Heat" the rail during placement.
*Power (transformers) Supplies for the Induction units.
*An Enclosed Cab for the New Rail Placement Operator. (His job is to guide the New Rail onto the New Ties.)
*Work Lights, for poor lighting conditions.
*Control Boxes (Fuse Box)
and an Control Panel for the Tie removal/placement Operator. This panel will get a "printed" face decal, to simulate all of the buttons and status lights.  Usually found on these machines. (I have been fortunate to have seen panels of this type, up close.  During my many years of commercial packaging).


Sample of the panel's face decal, done in MS Paint program.


Painting:
I had thought of painting all of these new additions to the unit, Yellow (CNW Yellow) which the original color.  But, have decided that painting them GGX Orange, would be neater to show the machine has been upgraded.

Jerry G.

[SSW7771]

Very Cool!

[fcnrwy23]

July 10th, 2017

With the rebuilding of the "Cab" section of the TRT, finished. I masked off the model in preparation for a coat of primer and then paint.
I have found that Kleenex is a great masking material.  It is just like newspaper, but a lot softer, easier to cut or tear and mold around your project.  Just be sure to dust off the lint that Kleenex gives off, from your work.  A coat of Undercoat Gray, followed by GTW Orange did the trick.  I went with the Orange on all new bodywork, to give the model an "Rebuilt' look.  A theme, that I will carry over to the rest of the Train...


Main Body, masked off before painting.

    After a few days, I gave the Cab a coat of Glosscote for the application of the decals.  The decals are a mix of my own, custom-made (GGX) and from Microscale sets. (GE, Boxcar, Industrial Signage and sheet stock).
The warning and data decals, came from the GE and Industrial sets.  The windscreens are "Black" sheet stock decal cut into the appropriate sizes.   I finished off the decaling by adding the "Conspicuity" Stripes, found on everything after 2005.  The whole car was then, given a shot of Dullcote to seal everything.


Left side view


Right side view
I finished off the model, with BLMA"s A/C units, mounted to the top of the car

As I mentioned before, of the video that gave me the inspiration to do this project.  I found, looking through my other DVDs.  That Pentrex had done a similar piece on the P811, in their "Working on the Railroad" DVD. (1999).  It's the last chapter in that program..

Next up...  We'll jump to the Front of the train, to the ... Tool car....

Jerry G.

[fcnrwy23]

July 14, 2017

As the work continues on the GGX's TRT.   We take a look at the train's new Tool Car.
Since resuming this project, I have found photos and more video of "more recent" Editions of the TRTs, dating from 2009 to 2014.  These trains have added a few more cars to help with the support of the train's operations.  These cars appear to be Custom-builds with new frames and have Container-type (as in shipping container) bodies with various openings for doors and accessories.
      I had considered the option to model a few of these cars, but after my experiences with the RGT and BCT trains during their trip to the NSE in Pittsburgh.  I kinda liked the "ease of transport" that I got by using the Kato-style, book cases.  But, in order to use them (I have one, "eight spot" left), I will have to keep the train's length, (quantity) down to eight cars total.  I had been hoping to find a home, for the B36-7 that I had made to use, as extra power for the RG train.  But by including the loco, it would mean I would only have seven cars on the TRT.  Now, in the recent photos, I have seen either, Harsco (trains' builder) or the "home" railroad's locomotives, being used as power on the end of these trains.  So, I could add the B36 or not.
To date, the train would consist of the following pieces:  (1) Locomotive (B36-7); Tool Car; Main body car; Tie car; Power car and three Tie Supply cars.   I still have two cars to upgrade, and I haven't modified the Bookcase, just yet.  So, this could change..


The Tool Car

My copy, started from one of my ubiquitous, Roundhouse Hi Cube boxcars, from the large stockpile that I have on hand.   And, it was an easy process to modified the body shell.
I wanted to simulate, an upgraded car, so I added new doors and venting.  This was done, by adding pieces of styrene flat stock, "etched-metal" grille work (Intermountain SD40-2 parts), brass wire and styrene ladder stock.  After the usual additional body prep,  I gave the whole model a coat of Undercoat Gray..


Just before priming.

After the application of GTW Orange and the usual period of curing,  I gave the body a shot of Glosscote and applied the decals.  The decals were, as before, a mixture pieces from different sources.  But this time, I applied the trains' name and gave it a GGX reporting number in the 940-series.  I then finished the bodywork phase of the upgrade, with a final coat of Dullcote.
As far as final detail parts, needed to finish the model.  These consisted of only, a pair of Exhaust stacks (Kato stacks from their Passenger "Details" kit, these being for the Diner Car) and a painted (Coupler pocket, side frames and couplers) pair of MT 1037s with 36" metal wheels.. 

And with that, the TRT had it's own Tool Car....



Next Up...  the Tie Car.

Jerry G.

[ljudice]

Awesome!!!!!

[migalyto]

This looks fantastic, Very nicely done!

[fcnrwy23]

July 18, 2017

The Tie Car..

What I am referring to, as the "Tie Car" (since I still don't know what it is truly called) is the second-half of the "Business End" of the TRT.
This is where the Old (usually Wooden) Railroad Ties, are collected for removal and storage and the NEW, (Always Concrete) Ties are deposited for their placement down onto the newly reconditioned roadbed.
    The train does manage to stay on the rails, at this point.  Even though, the rail is just sitting on the "Cast-in-place" rail clip holders, with no clips.  On the older machines (like the GGX's original example), the rail clips are inserted by hand, by a trailing parade of small MOW equipment.  Two track workers, in a small power-cart install the clips, while the workers on the next cart, hydraulically "clamp' the clips into place.  On the newer machines, this is done (automated) right after the rail has been laid...

   My original model, was pretty close to the mark.  So, I decided to leave most of it as is.   Even though, as you will see in the next photo.  The "rear" section has succumbed to the effects of styrene cement.   You probably have seen this effect, if you have come across older styrene building models. The walls have the look of being "Bowed" inwards, the result of the glue taking longer to "Cure", and than it keeps curing. 
This could've been a problem.  But, since I am using Micro-train coupler-mounted trucks. The damage does not seem to have affected,  the cars' normal running operations.
So, I have done a few upgrades to the car, this time with the help of some additional video of the TRT's. That I have recently found on-line.



The major addition to my TRT, was the "Watchband Sled" (It was CALLED this in one of the videos!). This was a new revelation, for me.  Since, I obviously missed it the first time around.
    The sled, is a steel rack with mini tank treads, (like those of a watchband ).  This assembly is lowered into position below the forward trucks, and allows the Tie Car to "ride the ballast" as the train does it's thing.   A video of the Amtrak version of the TRT (TLM), shows the frame or "spine" was constructed a bit longer.  And so, this piece of hardware is not needed on that machine.   In addition, I placed a smaller Control Box (on both sides) near the front of the car.  In the videos, this is used to control the movement of the new ties, as they slide down the guide rails.   The last items, that I added, where the warning and data decals.  Which, have always been an easy way to add more detail to any model.
The two little rust colored wheels, at the center. Are original and are there to simulate the "Guide" pulleys, that are used to assist in the removal of the "Old" rail.  At this point in the operation, the "Old Rail' is being "steered-out" to the side of the roadway.
And finally, the two, upright pieces of styrene "C-channel" stock at the very end of the car.  These are to simulate the retractable, "bridge sections" that fill-in the gaps between cars and connect the Gantry Cranes' rail system together. 

Below is the completed, Main-body / Tie car of the GGX's TRT..



Next Up...   The Gantry Crane...


Jerry G.

[tehachapifan]

Awesome!!!

[peteski]

Coming along really nicely. This type of a model is like a hobby within a hobby.

[PeyRil]

WOW!  For the third time, you've knocked it out of the park! You have some great craftsmanship! If you're not careful, I think GGX may end up with some contract requests. Keep up the excellent work sir!

[fcnrwy23]

July 21, 2017

The Gantry Crane...

The operation of the TRT would not be very efficient , if not for the work of these very important little machines.
On a prototype TRT, three (3) of these little critters are tasked with the important job of transporting the railroad ties, which are an important element of the Track Renewal process.  Working as a group, they act as a conveyor belt, pulling NEW (Concrete) ties from their storage cars located at one end of the TRT.  And deliver them to the feeder rack, which temporary holds the ties until they slide-down the guide rails and onto the newly reconditioned roadbed.   After, the crane deposits its' "load" of new ties, it will collect an equal number of newly, "Reclaimed" Older ties.  And transport them back to the newly, created open-slots on the storage cars.

In a typical Day's operation, a TRT usually carries with it, about thirty (30) flatcars of 162 to 216 ties per car.  That's a lot of concrete..    And, the typical mileage for a day's work, is almost 2 miles of renewed track.


The Model....

My original crane, was constructed to match an earlier version, which had an "Open-Air" operator's station.




The more recent versions of these critters, have an 'Enclosed" Cab for the operators' space.



In upgrading the TRT,  I had thought about constructing a new version of the crane, but after examining the unit.  I decided that a simple upgrade would be OK...

The new additions consisted of:

   *  Replacing the Open-Air station, with a Cab.   I went back to my "MOW parts box" and found a Cab, similar to the one that was added to the Main body, earlier in this project.
   *  Air Cleaner.   This was fabricated from Styrene Rod stock and "Capped-off" with a Vent detail part, from the Kato passenger car detail kit.
   *  Safety Railings:  These are stock styrene Handrails with the rail cut-down, from two rows to one row.
   *  Diesel Fuel tank:   I reconfigured, a existing compartment on the unit's right-side by removing the grille detail and repainting the piece in "Diesel Green"
   *  Warning and Data plaques:  These are decals from my usual source...

With the Gantry Crane upgraded, it can join the train, back in operation.   


Next Up...    Power/Spike Puller Car...


Jerry G.

[PeyRil]

I really how you are only painting the upgrades in orange. It adds a nother level of detailand realism, not to mention it goes well with the yellow too.

[PeyRil]

**Post to correct previous post.**

I really like how you are only painting the upgrades in orange. It adds another level of detail and realism, not to mention it goes well with the yellow too.

[fcnrwy23]

July 23, 2017

The Power/Spike Puller Car..

This car, is the last of the "Specialty" cars that are found on a TRT.
I have been referring to this car, as a "Power Car" because of the large diesel plant and Diesel fuel tank found on it.  On videos of the TRT train, there are additional tanks and containers for carrying supplies of liquids.  But, because of the lack of space on my model, I will only be modeling the Diesel.
    The car also carries spike pulling equipment, usually operated by two (2) track workers, (one for each side) in a "traveling" carriage.  By this time, a majority of the spikes used in the initial rail installation have already been removed.  By a pair of smaller, spike pulling machines, that have proceed the TRT during its' day of operation.  This puller then, pulls out the very last spikes, so the TRT can do it's thing.
    The last piece of equipment carried on or "under" the car, is a Spike Collector assembly. (Sorry, my lack for a better term  ) .  This consists of a large, "Magnetized" steel wheel that collects the spikes from "between" the rails and deposits them on to a conveyor, that then throws them clear of the work area.  These loose spikes are later reclaimed by a magnet-equipped, "Burro Crane' with a Gondola.  Which is usually done, before any of the remaining track reconditioning is started, such as the addition of "new ballast" to the roadbed.

The Model..

The Spike puller carriage was on the model original.  So, I only had to model the Magnetic wheel and Diesel fuel tank.
 


Again, All the detail parts were constructed from pieces of styrene tube, rod or flat stock.
And the Decals are from my decal scrap box.

With the Upgrading of the Power/Spike Puller car. My model of a TRT, nearly complete.  The only cars left to work-on, are the flatcars that supply one of the two components, that are needed for the Track Renewal operation.  The (Concrete) Tie Supply Cars...

 
Last Up...  Tie Supply Cars...

Jerry G.