05-25-2009, 01:28 PM
If GERN is involved, it could be something as simple as a blending and packaging facility. While the flux from different mines is all required to meet GERN's stringent standards of quality and uniformity, certain naturally-occurring inclusions give some varieties of GERN-brand Flux properties that may be of particular benefit in certain end uses.
For the timeframe of your operation, most likely traffic would be in-bound boxcar-loads of bulk flux, unloaded by a crew with shovels. Product from different producers could be blended as required, then bagged and shipped out to retailers, or to other operators who would use the material as part of their own manufacturing process. Other in-bound shipments, either via rail or by truck, could include other chemical additives and packaging materials (cloth or paper bags, or wooden barrels or steel drums). Out-bound loads would be in boxcars, or, if necessary, un-iced reefers - as long as the product is protected from moisture, or in trucks.
Another benefit of this type of business is that it will generate at least 3% more traffic for your railroad.
Wayne
For the timeframe of your operation, most likely traffic would be in-bound boxcar-loads of bulk flux, unloaded by a crew with shovels. Product from different producers could be blended as required, then bagged and shipped out to retailers, or to other operators who would use the material as part of their own manufacturing process. Other in-bound shipments, either via rail or by truck, could include other chemical additives and packaging materials (cloth or paper bags, or wooden barrels or steel drums). Out-bound loads would be in boxcars, or, if necessary, un-iced reefers - as long as the product is protected from moisture, or in trucks.
Another benefit of this type of business is that it will generate at least 3% more traffic for your railroad.
Wayne