031081 Dumping ballast from ballast hopper in special train.

Though this looks like a low-tech operation, the distribution of ballast along a newly built section of track is actually being controlled by a computer linked to a GPS locator system. Based on previous inputs, the computer determines how much ballast is dumped along a given rail segment, including how much ballast is spread on each side of the rails or between the rails. Special locations such as grade crossings and bridges are pre-programmed in the control computer and when a given car in the ballast train reaches these locations, its dump gates are automatically closed to prevent dropping any ballast there.

This special train is owned and operated by Herzog railroad services.

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