The icebreaker boxcars also had concrete added to them to provide extra
weight. There was usually an ice breaker at both ends of the car. I am not
sure what they did about icicles before these cars and the passenger locos
were developed. I wonder if back when manpower was cheap they may have had
section men that would walk the tunnels and knock down the icicles?
Bob Grace
-------Original Message-------
From: John
Date: 11/26/2010 12:50:39 PM
To: cpsig@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [cpsig] Re: Ice breaker box cars
I just uploaded a picture to the "Miscellaneous" group which shows one at
Field BC. They operate in a very low-tech manner. Ice is not as strong as
the steel and breaks first. The frame is the 2nd generation version to match
CP's clearance outline for doublestack containers and the taller autoracks.
West of Calgary SD40-2s are only used on work trains and switchers, not as
road power on through trains which are the exclusive domain of the big GEs.
The one in the photo was being deadheaded east but the road power had cut
off, thus yielding this recreation of the past. The dangling MU hose on the
pilot is the clue that all is not what it might seem.
John
--- In cpsig@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "thomas_applink@..." <thomas_mclae@...> wrote:
Folks,
Another thread mentioned box cars with ice breakers.
Being below the snow line (Texas!) this is an odd concept for me. :)
How did these work, why, and are there any photos of these cars?
Any information would be helpful, as I am considering modeling the CP.
Thomas
DeSoto, TX
