The ArroWedge Container

Footage From Summer 2017
The Union Pacific Railroad has been experimenting with a new way to save fuel: replacing the first stack container of a stack train with a special one that has a sloped front. This will in theory make the train more aerodynamic.
The first time I saw one and found out what it was, it didn't seem to make sense. What about all those gaps between the cars, especially the piggybacks? But apparently it's been working. Union Pacific came out with a new easier-to-build version (shown in the first half of the video) and is continuing to build more of them. I like the new aerodynamic look of the stack train.
At this point there are still very few around, in use only on Union Pacific's major routes. Will this be the future of the stack train, with interesting variants from other railroads, or will they slowly fade away, only to be remembered in HO scale?

[@scratchbuiltdozer]

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!

[@robadams5799]

I got an email from a model train store and spotted something called an "ArroWedge." I was curious so I consulted KZbin, the Store of all Knowledge and Wisdom.

[@theodoregrimm2108]

cutting down on wind with those arrowedge containers

[@TheLewistownTrainspotter8102]

The majority of the intermodals I catch on the Clinton Sub in Cedar Rapids have had the ArroWedges.

[@fastcsx1412]

Great catches and video so so cool!!!

[@Cpr1234]

They're so interesting. I saw one on the local railcam (first one, Rochelle), which had UP 2001 leading

[@ETrain-mv4ck]

I like Arrowedges containers!

[@Peepklep]

Is Union Pacific stil using these Arrowedge containers?

[@xray606]

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.

[@jacoblyman9441]

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.

[@SteamCrane]

If this works, can we expect orders for cowl units again? Or maybe even F units?

[@carsarecoo]

F UNITS died because they were designed with massive blind spots when reversing. That why the locos are designed the way they are now.

[@santafewarbonnetproductions]

I live in Galesburg illinois

[@santafewarbonnetproductions]

also 3:03 is that green container on its side ??

[@oldtown6240]

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

[@Tolono]

Here's a more recent article written by the railroad: www.up.com/aboutup/community/inside_track/arrowedge-redesign-04-27-2016.htm

[@oldtown6240]

Thanks. The old design somehow looks better, but obviously the new design performs better.

[@lawrencewheeler8868]

What cargo do they carry?

[@kernalva2484]

Lawrence Wheeler weights maybe

[@andybell2186]

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....