Herzog Ballast Hopper

@Steims posted:

I saw a UP (mixed with CN power) train hauling a consist of Herzog ballast hoppers northbound.  Do these hoppers have small solar panels mounted to the corners?  

Yes.

Seems like that’s kind of delicate to have near the ballast loading equipment.   The only reason for solar panels would be for battery charging in case the hopper open/closing controls using battery power.  

Yes again. Those cars are remote-controlled by the operator, usually walking along beside the moving ballast spreading operation, who controls how much ballast exits the bottom doors.

@Hot Water posted:
usually walking along beside the moving ballast spreading operation, who controls how much ballast exits the bottom doors.

The amount of ballast is controlled by the Herzog employee and his computer which are riding, not walking, on the trailing unit of the consist. Data is stored and the computer tells each car when to unload, how much to unload, etc. It does this at whatever speed the train is moving (as requested by the operator). Doors open and close for highway road crossings, culverts and the like.

I found a somewhat dated video showing the Herzog cars laying down the ballast controlled by an operator walking beside.  Looks somewhat complicated to control one or 2 cars simultaneously, walk the speed of train, and be aware of your surroundings.  No wonder they computerized this operation. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBIhK9Klr4A

Interesting thread and thanks to the posters!

I forget what the maximum speed that they can dump at, but, I have ran them in the 15mph to 20mph range. Doesn't take long to empty out a train! It is cool to watch the hoppers open and close going over road crossings. BTW, that is day or night! A track patrolman follows the train in case anything accidentally gets left on the crossings.