Network Rail Auto Ballaster

37180sirdyfed · Post by **37180sirdyfed** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 2:08 pm

Just wondering if someone can point me in the right direction, as how are NR Auto Ballasters consisted? Examples like the recently released models by E-Rail. I've read that they're nick-named "mile long train"... but that doesn't help me in creating a consist.

Thanks in advance

Whitemoor · Post by **Whitemoor** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 3:05 pm

The modern HQA autoballasters are in semi - pernament coupled sets of 5, although the older samples, coded JJAs are singles.

Iv seen HQA rakes of 25, but i dont think they are allowed any more than that, i maybe wrong.

HTH
Rob.

salopiangrowler · Post by **salopiangrowler** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 3:09 pm

the mile long train is a ballast washer isnt it??? i knpw it is used for ballast drop's and is rarely split unless not in use or loading. The wagons currently sit at Crewe Salop sidings

Whitemoor · Post by **Whitemoor** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 3:21 pm

salopiangrowler wrote:the mile long train is a ballast washer isnt it??? i knpw it is used for ballast drop's and is rarely split unless not in use or loading. The wagons currently sit at Crewe Salop sidings

Thats what i thought, but i dont see them as Autoballasters.

Iv heard that ballast washer/cleaner called the Aligator train, must be regional varients.....

salopiangrowler · Post by **salopiangrowler** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 3:29 pm

yes, the aligator was the part of the HQA's that wasnt modelled.

With an aligator like mouth sucks up the ballast washes it and then comes out the other end, why the stone travels a mile before coming out i dont know.

The Redland Aggriegates train was the first Autoballaster in a semi fixed rake.

The real Autoballaster's are Rebuilt RMC sand wagons that were used on the Rugby to somewhere up north.

Autoballasters

HQA's in autoballaster mode