A locomotive repair campus needed industrial trailers to assist with the distribution of parts. The large Midwestern campus featured many buildings, connected by roadways in various stages of disrepair and some gravel pathways. Repair parts arrived at one building, and then were transported to different buildings where they were needed.
Being a locomotive repair campus, there were multiple rail crossings to negotiate, along with the gravel pathways and other roadway conditions. Working closely with Hamilton engineers, the customer communicated the environmental challenges, the intended usage, and the variety of load sizes and weights. The proposed design incorporated a unique running gear system, robust wheels, a wood deck, and a substantial steel frame.
Hamilton provided special torsion type axles that afforded 3” of vertical travel. When coupled with heavy duty reinforced 19” diameter pneumatic wheels, encountering rail crossings was not a problem, even with full 5,000 lbs. loads.
These torsion-type axles provide 3” of vertical travel for traversing railroad tracks.A spacious 50” wide by 150” long deck provided more than ample space for the many loads. The deck surface was wood to minimize load slippage during travel.
The customer planned to tow five trailers in a train, so Hamilton engineered plenty of strength into the trailer including central longitudinal frame members. Rear axle location optimized stability and turning. Simple but stout forged steel loops on the tongues and pintle hitches on the rear made trailer towing easy and safe.
Interestingly, the department using the five trailers had to guard against others on campus confiscating them for their use. Not intending to promote campus rivalry, Hamilton calmly suggested new trailers for the others as well.
For dependable performance, outstanding longevity, and engineering to match the application, contact Hamilton.