CN's Next Generation Iron Ore Cars feature Miner Rapid Discharge Systems
(Geneva, IL – USA) Miner Enterprises, Inc. is pleased to announce that one of North America's largest Class I railroads, CN, is taking delivery of 600 new iron ore rail cars featuring Miner Rapid Discharge Systems. The cars will see service primarily in the upper Midwest, transporting iron ore pellets for U.S. Steel's ore operations.
"This order of 600 Miner-equipped car sets is the result of collaborative, innovative engineering across all three companies," said Bill O'Donnell, executive director of global sales for Miner. "CN and FCA set out to create a next-generation ore car. Miner's technical expertise in designing and manufacturing rapid discharge unloading systems provided key know-how in making the new car a reality."
Built by FreightCar America Inc. at its Castanos, Mexico, facility, the cars are operating in northern Minnesota. They are part of CN's metals and minerals fleet that services U.S. Steel facilities across the Mesabi Iron Range.
Miner Rapid Discharge Systems for ore cars provide the largest opening possible on through-sill cars. In order to keep the commodity secure, all of Miner's rapid discharge systems utilize an over-center locking mechanism that is more secure than other types of locks. This design means the weight from the product pushing on the doors actually tightens the lock. A safety catch is also employed to ensure doors are fully closed and locked prior to the train moving.
Miner rapid discharge systems are available in three different configurations: Gearbox Driven, Air Driven and Quick Drop.
CN's fleet of next-gen cars utilize the Quick Drop design. Miner Enterprises also manufacturers rapid discharge systems for cars transporting coal, ballast, rock, wood chip, dry bulk and other bulk commodities.
Backed by more than a century of experience, an unrivaled commitment to innovative engineering, state-of-the-art manufacturing and proven reliability, Miner's rapid discharge systems are the most widely specified in the industry.
Learn more about Rapid Discharge Systems.