3102 SNCB 2-axle 'RAILTRANS' Recycling Wagon - 555 9 029
This model of a 'Railtrans' recycling wagon is registered with the SNCB. Such wagons are widely used in block trains for the transport of timber offcuts and sawdust, salvaged paper, and old textiles between sawmills, paper factories, and recycling plants. Many are operated in Austria and eastern Europe by Rail & Sea Sped. GmbH of Straßwalchen near Salzburg. In Austria, for example, they shuttle over the Südbahn between a sawmill in Sollenau and a paper factory north of Graz, and between Ybbs/Donau and Waldhausen to Frantschach - St.Gertraud.
Many of these vehicles have been converted in France on the frames of older wagons and are registered with either the SNCF or the SNCB. The body design offers at least 10% more load space than wagons of comparable length. The suspension is specially adapted so that the buffers can be prevented from dropping below the minimum height even when fully loaded. The top is open for loading, and the contents can be secured either with a net or a lid, if required. Unloading is achieved by releasing the whole side and tipping the wagon.
(text adapted from: 'Continental Modeller, 2/2001')
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