http://naphotos.nerail.org/s/?p=161079
So uh, what do you suppose this contains?
What happens if it discovers something that’s out of scale?
Be afraid … be very afraid.
LOL!
That car is just to keep you “Toy Train” people in line, and on track…!!!
(In truth it is a car with a set weight, that is used for calibrating weigh scales tht are used for weighing loads on/in rolling stock.) At one time, “Scale cars” that a lot of roads had, were 2 axle cars, with bodies built of a major casting. They had no air operated brakes so that brake shoe wear would not spoil their accurate weight. They were designated to be hauled in front of the van or caboose. they only had straight through air lines.
In later years, many forms of "Scale testing cars have appeared. The tank car in the picture is one. It’s weight can easily be adjusted to keep it “Honest”. Other cars that have been common are covered hoppers and even a covered and sealed ore car…there are others… Just another odd-ball car to catch with your camera when out watching trains.
A lot, if not most loads on the railroads are hauled and charged by weight for the haulage. Scales are located in most major yards, or at ore loading facilities. The scales are checked (Calibrated) on a regular basis…just like scales in your food makets are supposed to be. The weight of the basic car is marked on all cars in interchange service.
Heh. Yep… I suspected as much. The YVRR locally uses this one:
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/slatecreek/_forumfiles/scaletestcar.jpg)
Not nearly as exciting as the original idea, is it? I particularly like the “No Unauthorized Repairs/Contact” bit … which might even suggest a brand name! Matthew (OV)