On Tuesday, NS's Lehigh Line had
a departure from the 'normal' trains I am accustom to seeing along this stretch
of track. It was the Federal Railway Administration train, NS symbol
901, consisting of NS 5175 (ex-SOU 5175; GP38-2), NS 5609 (ex-NW 4138; GP38-2),
DOTX 218 and DOTX 220 passing by LEHL MP 40 around 1 PM. The DOTX 218 Entered
service in 2004 and operates in self-propelled and towed mode, is equipped with
a track geometry measurement system to measure gauge, alignment and track
surface. It has a Gage Restraint Measurement System (GRMS), utilizes a
deployable fifth axle to apply lateral and vertical loads to the rail and then
take measurements of the impact to the rail from the forces. DOTX 218 is
also equipped with a differential global positional system to provide high
accuracy GPS coordinates to each foot of track surveyed. DOTX 220 was built in
2007 and is equipped with a full suite of track geometry
measurement and mapping systems, allowing it to take real time track geomertry,
laser-measured gauge, profile and ride quality measurements and record the data
in its own systems at extremely high speeds. The car has crew seating for
up to 16 to 20 in the inspection gallery at the B-end and 4 in a technicians'
station at mid-car. It is also equipped with a small galley, ample storage, and
an ADA-compliant restroom.
