Ship unloading railroad loco in Brazil

[Mr Link]

Correct. When they ship locomotives via ship, they typically remove the trucks (that's what the combined set of wheels are called). That is because the trucks have a spring suspension built into them and if the locomotive is left on the trucks, it would bounce around in the hold of the ship. Instead, they rest the locomotive's frame right on solid blocks.

In some of the other photos at this site, you will see that these locomotives were shipped from the builder (General Electric) in Erie PA to the port at Norfolk VA, on flat cars and not on their own trucks. That is because the gauge of the track they are using is wider than the standard gauge used in North America. The gauge is the distance between the two rails. So there wheels are too wide to sit on standard North American tracks.

[Boatkitten]

Ok, On that picture, looks like the wheels aren't on the train yet. Looked like the wheels on the ground. Did I see that right?

[Castaway]

Ask away, Boatkitten. This forum is about helping. I doubt there are really any stupid questions.

[Boatkitten]

Hi,
I had to check out that photo. Very nice! I have a few questions, but hate to have people think I'm stupid, so won't ask. Of course, while I was there, I saw a few more pages of good photos too. Some are just beautiful. Thanks.

[Timerover51]

That is an impressive picture. You might be able to research the ship given that it is clearly intended for the transport and self-unloading of very heavy deck cargo.

Edit: It looks like a C-Class ship of the Intermarine Fleet. There is a video on their website of the Ocean Charger loading locomotives for shipment. It might be that ship.

[cpfan]

My favourite train picture site has a shot of a locomotive being unloaded from a ship in Brazil. Picture from August 2009. No idea what ship this is.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.p ... 17&nseq=93

Steve