Coal

[Cody J]

I am starting a new layout with CSX in West virginia. It will be 9x5. I already have the track plan made but I have a few questions:
What is the best way to unload coal in modern times? I want it to be fairly simple for example, all my buildings are pre-built becvause I have no artistic talent. My coal loader is a pile of coal beside the tracks and two wheel loaders to load the cars.

thanks,
cody

[jward]

many power plants have car dumpers similar to the one walthers made for their paper mill. or, smaller users of coal and other commodities shipped in hoppers or covered hoppers often have a track with a pit underneath, and a conveyor running from under the pit to a chute for loading trucks. there is a facility like this in freeport, pa and i'll try to get some photos next time i am out that way.

[Cody J]

thanks

[ebtbob]

Cody,

      Here is a picture of a flood loader,  west of Cresson, Pa.

[BaltoOhioRRfan]

Cody,

      Here is a picture of a flood loader,  west of Cresson, Pa.

Does 7205 have two cabs on it? or is it just the angle of the photo?

[jward]

7205 is an sd80mac. they only have one cab. on the other end is the dynamic brake equipment. on later locomotives, emd moved the dynamic brake grids away from the heat of the prime mover (engine) as the dynamic brake grids get hot enough all by themselves.

[BaltoOhioRRfan]

Ah, right under the rear number boards looks like windshields like on the E60's.

I'm a steam person lol.

[jward]

no problem, i worked with those engines a few years back. they're old friends.