Loaded Aurizon grain train screaming for traction , at Mt Lofty.

A loaded Aurizon grain train, with new EMD power, screams it's way up the 2,2% grade towards Mt' Lofty Station. The "Super Series" wheelslip control, is giving it all, to gain maximum traction from the 16-710 prime movers .
This train was running late , and it was thought to have stalled further back towards Murray Bridge, with local railfains reporting it was down to a crawl. Having missed the sun , I decided to stay and get a rare night shot .
Watch your ears and enjoy!
Gregg.

[@DL541]

I always have been amazed about how one day a locomotive acts like it is glued to the rail-the next day it is like it on grease with grease wheels. I started out running SD7/9’s. Generally they would grip anything. Also ran an ALCo C420, on sand it would outpull the SD7/9’s. Also impressed with the C-C 6-axle AC power, they don’t care they will find a way to grip the rail.

[@FishplateFilms]

That is so true! It is amazing how much traction they can achieve in the right conditions. You have run some classic gear , and seen some huge changes throughout your career. Watching a modern AC traction loco on it's knees is indeed impressive with how much grip they achieve! Thanks for watching! Gregg.

[@SantaFeBob]

Excellent night time catch. I love how the head lights light up the scenery as it comes around the bend. The squeal is part of the fun. LOL thank you for sharing another fun, educational video. Cheers Gregg.

[@Thomas1980]

Super nice Video! I like it!

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks very much Thomas, glad you liked it! Cheers Gregg.

[@andrewdonald2770]

I live in Muswellbrook in the Hunter Valley and the coal trains come past town with incredible regularity, every day. They too will often make a terrible screeching sound, just like the grain train. I always thought it was flange squeal, but O know better now, as the track is reasonably straight just along the town.

[@FishplateFilms]

Hi Andrew, I've been to the Hunter a few times , including Maitland and the coal trains do keep coming! Flange squeal is similar, but a bit "rougher" and deeper usually. They are similar, and you can get both at the same time in areas like the Adelaide Hills...but in some cases, the curves add friction and can increase traction slightly !! It all gets very tricky , but you are correct hearing it on straight sections, as the flanges are not rubbing on the rail. Thanks for watching. Gregg 🙂

[@iusetano]

Excellent video Gregg

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you Sir! Not normally a fan of night shots, but this was ok and worth it i feel. Cheers Gregg.

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing.👍

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks for watching🙂 Gregg.

[@ronaldrondeau7870]

Great Gregg, hope to se more of your layout soon

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Ronald! I hope to get a layout update done soon, just been very busy . Cheers Gregg.

[@upsd402]

Wonderful video, the night time videos always have a special place in my heart. I agree the traction control is very loud and painful, my grandfather told me when working for the UP, he would always bring hunting earplugs to avoid any damage. Great video, sounds like it’s getting cold there. Cheers from melting Terry from Nebraska.

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Terry! I'm on my way back down to Lofty in 4 weeks , so look forward to more clips from the HIlls! CHeers Gregg.

[@adriannettlefold9084]

Something you learn very quickly as a driver if on older engines, is your own traction control. Many is the time I've found myself without sand and had to manage it by applying a bit of independent brake and once you find a notch that will allow you to keep moving, you sit on your hands and don't dare touch that throttle. Steam engines generally let you know they're about to slip by the sound of the beat, but getting sand down to the rail in time before they let go Is the trick. Diesel locomotives the amp meter is your friend.

[@FishplateFilms]

Hi Adrian, I've heard of the independent trick...I guess the skill is to apply just enough to catch the rouge axel, but not too much to slow you down in the process! Steam is another story I imagine , with everything being slower to react , you would need to really know your loco. Thanks for watching Sir 🙂

[@graemequinn5679]

graete one greg

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you Graeme!

[@Longshadowsmodeltrees]

Cool Gregg.

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Bob! Glad you liked it. Gregg😉

[@NR54trailerail]

Nice video Gregg!

[@FishplateFilms]

Thank you Sir! They sure are flogging these new locos...but I guess that's what they are made for? Gregg :-)

[@mccoy79productions66]

new sub, fantastic video

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks for the sub and I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Cheers Gregg.

[@shaunhuckstepp7531]

Well done Gregg great shots even if it was brass monkey cold lol

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Shaun! I do prefer the cold over the hot now...easier to get warm than it is to stay cool! Cheers Gregg.

[@Rhys4AUFC]

Hope you’re well. I agree, the grinding by gt46cace’s is just about unbearable for the ears, best places to get those types working hard is along straight sections (for example the area just north of Callington curve, and the bridge near the SE freeway at Bridgewater).

[@FishplateFilms]

Thanks Rhys! Yes the noise is really hard on the ears! They sound better up a bit further closer to the station. I'd love to get to Callington , and may do on my next visit in a few weeks time? Spending a few more days than normal so will have more time to travel. Cheers Gregg .

[@smokeyjoe1034]

So do Australian trains maintain speed better while climbing steep grades better than American trains? Cheers, Joe.

[@FishplateFilms]

We haul lighter trains down here Joe, with lighter axel weights in most areas, so trains are a bit quicker on the hills. The Adelaide hills are one place that does see long trains on steep grades..one of the reasons I am moving here! Gregg 🙂