Monday, February 21, 2011

The Herzog Multipurpose Machine

Following my visit to Carman Junction on February 17, I was heading back along Sterling Lyon Boulevard when I saw a really different sight.
Herzog MPM
This is a Herzog Multi-Purpose Machine. This is a self-propelled track unit designed for general maintenance of way (MOW) work like tie pickup and drop-off, ditching, grading and so forth. The Komatsu crane on the top of the cars rolls back and forth, and has changeable "grabbers" for various tasks.
Komatsu crane
The unit was on the former Winnipeg Intermodal Terminal spur near where IKEA is being built.
The front end of the machine is HZGX 185, the power unit.
HZGX 185
The unit is designed to be operated by one person. The operator in the crane cab can roll the entire train back and forth as required.

There are a few stencils on the train: "REAR END OF TRAIN MOVEMENT ONLY", "DO NOT HUMP", and "WARNING: REMOTE CONTROL EQUIPMENT".

I took one shot of the rear of the unit before heading out.
Herzog MPM

2 comments:

Eric said...

Nice post Steve. Those Herzog units get around, I have photos of one at Belleville.

You might be interested to know former NBEC ex-CP RS18u 1835 was westbound on a CN freight on the Kingston Sub this morning, heading to Toronto and (oblivion?).

Eric

Canadian Train Geek said...

Hi Eric, I noted that 1835 had been sold to the Adirondack Scenic Railroad last November. It was mentioned here. It and 1845 were purchased.