Calling all Austro-Hungarians

[TinGoat]

I was researching on-line for Ro-Ro / Ro-La equipment and I found this Website http://www.vagongyar.hu/en/index.php?pageid=1:

Take a look at the "Products" and "Gallery".

Take a look at the cool / exotic european railway equipment.

Does anyone make a model of these?

10-axle Ro-La wagon (Saadkkms)
Based on the design and engineering licensed by ABB-Henschel we built cars for transporting long-distance lorries. As the floor height is very low, this car is excellent for travelling via tunnels among hills and mountains. Due to the 10-axle running gear, it is capable of carrying a very heavy load; further the maintenance cycle is also longer compared to the 8-axle version designed for the same use.
   

8-axle Ro-La wagon (Saadkms)
Based on the design and engineering provided by the customer we built the 8-axle low-floor cars for transportation of long-distance lorries. Due to the floor height the car is suitable for travelling in the flat area.
   

They ride on these funky low profile trucks / Bogies:
   

[cnw1961]

Interesting stuff. I am no expert on European models, but I think Trix and Fleischmann make (or made?) these Ro-La wagons.

[nomad]

Interesting. I would imagine those trucks would need some pretty broad curves.

Loren

[TinGoat]

Thanks Kurt,

So far, I've found that Fleischmann makes the 8-axle...

And Trix sells an 8-car set! http://www.reynaulds.com/products/Trix/24510.aspx

[TinGoat]

Interesting. I would imagine those trucks would need some pretty broad curves.

Loren

Hi Loren,

I've been surfing around for information on these and I was supprised to learn that the prototype handles very well. In fact, they are happier going through turnouts at high speed, rather than slowing down.

[nkp_174]

They sure look like articulated trucks to me...which allows for an easy time negotiating curves.

In the US, 4 axle trucks were a pair of 2 axle trucks connected together (and articulated) with the bolster in the middle, unsupported by an axle. That basic design was ultimately found to be inferior to 2 axle and 3 axle trucks (more friction, more weight, more cost, and less reliability). Of course, the trucks here are more than a century newer in design...and have nothing in common with the 19th century american version.

[Bob C]

I am guessing, with the small wheel size inherent in this design, that most switches and crossings where these are operated have "swing-nose" or movable frogs. It would seem otherwise the traverse of the open part of the frog could be problematic at some speeds ? Or not. Bob C :?

[andersley]

These Rola trains have widespread routes in Europe, so operate over 'normal' turnouts without problems.

[Triplex]

Exactly how small are those wheels?

I often find European freight equipment more interesting than American. This is an example - not a well car, but low-floor all the way. I've loved them ever since I first saw them in an 80s book on railroad history. We'll never see anything like it on this side of the Atlantic, because our clearances are larger.

[andersley]

The "Rollende Landstrasse" (Rolling Highway) wagons have wheels of 335, 360 and 380 mm. (13", 14" and 15" approx.). These wagons carry the whole vehicle, they are driven onto the wagons, using ramps provided at the load/offloading points. These trains are used extensively through Switzerland as that country will not allow heavy trucks to pass through the country by road.

They are also a very fuel efficient method of moving trucks with the added benefit of allowing the drivers rest periods in the attached passenger coach/sleeper.