Lowliner wagon ride tests
Later, I was involved in the acceptance testing of the prototype replacement vehicles for the Freightliner flats. The design of these low-platform bogie vehicles (known as 'Lowliners') came in two versions, one with 4-wheel bogies and one with 6-wheel bogies, both with 724mm dia. wheels which were smaller than usual, as a means of carrying larger containers. This gave a floor height above rail level of approx. 850mm. These commenced extensive riding trials on the WCML in the spring of 1972 but were ultimately rejected. Click on the pictures for a bigger image - All photos are the author's |