I got an email from a model train store and spotted something called an "ArroWedge." I was curious so I consulted TH-cam, the Store of all Knowledge and Wisdom.
I seen one about a month ago here in San Antonio. I did a double take on it and tried to research it to find out what it was. Your the first to show and tell what it is. Thanks!
I don't see how that would make any significant change. The gaps between the containers are more than wide enough to have vortices rolling off between them, and creating plenty of drag. Supposedly employees came up with this. I'm wondering if they're just humoring them by using it. Either that, or I wouldn't be surprised if there's some incentive where the gov throws money at you for trying stuff like this.
The first version of the wedge was developed by an employee at UP; but the second version (the angular one seen here) was tested at a University's engineering lab. Wind tunnel tests, etc. They had the data to show it worked in a lab setting, and it was enough for UP to order a large batch of them. Now to see if they prove their merit in the long run, waits to be seen. If it is as successful as the lab tests suggest, I won't be surprised to see these starting to show up on other railroads besides UP.
Good video - informative and entertaining. The use of the Wedge would seem limited to those routes where track speed can use something like it to reduce drag thereby saving on fuel. Good UP article: www.progressiverailroading.com/intermodal/article/Union-Pacific-banks-on-aerodynamic-double-stack-train-device-to-pay-drag-reduction-dividends--37722
Looks cool, but that's the stupidest thing ever. That's what happens when railroads hire an unemployed aircraft engineer. Fuel is burned most getting the train up to speed, mountain grades, and low speed. MAYBE it has an advantage in the areas where trains are allowed to run 70mph. Not worth the effort....
cutting down on wind with those arrowedge containers
I got an email from a model train store and spotted something called an "ArroWedge." I was curious so I consulted TH-cam, the Store of all Knowledge and Wisdom.
I seen one about a month ago here in San Antonio. I did a double take on it and tried to research it to find out what it was. Your the first to show and tell what it is. Thanks!
Is Union Pacific stil using these Arrowedge containers?
The majority of the intermodals I catch on the Clinton Sub in Cedar Rapids have had the ArroWedges.
Great catches and video so so cool!!!
They're so interesting. I saw one on the local railcam (first one, Rochelle), which had UP 2001 leading
I live in Galesburg illinois
also 3:03 is that green container on its side ??
I like Arrowedges containers!
If this works, can we expect orders for cowl units again? Or maybe even F units?
F UNITS died because they were designed with massive blind spots when reversing. That why the locos are designed the way they are now.
I don't see how that would make any significant change. The gaps between the containers are more than wide enough to have vortices rolling off between them, and creating plenty of drag. Supposedly employees came up with this. I'm wondering if they're just humoring them by using it. Either that, or I wouldn't be surprised if there's some incentive where the gov throws money at you for trying stuff like this.
The first version of the wedge was developed by an employee at UP; but the second version (the angular one seen here) was tested at a University's engineering lab. Wind tunnel tests, etc. They had the data to show it worked in a lab setting, and it was enough for UP to order a large batch of them. Now to see if they prove their merit in the long run, waits to be seen. If it is as successful as the lab tests suggest, I won't be surprised to see these starting to show up on other railroads besides UP.
What cargo do they carry?
Lawrence Wheeler weights maybe
Good video - informative and entertaining. The use of the Wedge would seem limited to those routes where track speed can use something like it to reduce drag thereby saving on fuel. Good UP article: www.progressiverailroading.com/intermodal/article/Union-Pacific-banks-on-aerodynamic-double-stack-train-device-to-pay-drag-reduction-dividends--37722
Here's a more recent article written by the railroad:
www.up.com/aboutup/community/inside_track/arrowedge-redesign-04-27-2016.htm
Thanks. The old design somehow looks better, but obviously the new design performs better.
Looks cool, but that's the stupidest thing ever. That's what happens when railroads hire an unemployed aircraft engineer. Fuel is burned most getting the train up to speed, mountain grades, and low speed. MAYBE it has an advantage in the areas where trains are allowed to run 70mph. Not worth the effort....