ALIWAL NORTH SAR LAYOUT: RailRunner

A scratch built 1/87th scale functional prototype RailRunner Intermodal System set with perfectly weighted Athearn trailers on my Aliwal North SAR Layout.

"Anchor Unit Bogie, Intermediate Unit Bogie and Transition Unit Bogie"

International Railway Journal
http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/freight/railrunner-intermodal-system-heads-for-south-africa.html?channel=527
Friday, September 16, 2016
RailRunner intermodal system set for South African trials:
Written by Paul Ash
In a move that could have long-term ramifications for South Africa's long-haul trucking industry, Transnet has signed a deal with RailRunner, United States to develop intermodal technology for the country's general freight business.
The project - a joint venture between Transnet Freight Rail and RailRunner- will see a test train of lorry trailers on rail bogies begin running on the Cape Corridor between Johannesburg and Cape Town in the first half of next year.
The RailRunner system - a container trailer chassis with conventional wheels for running on road and a dedicated bogie for rail operation - will enable road hauliers to focus on the “last mile” part of the logistics chain where rail cannot operate.
As well as helping Transnet in its stated aim to attract more traffic from road to rail, the deal could also clear the way for private-sector businesses to get involved in rail transport. While the tractor units and trailers are already privately owned, private operators would also own the RailRunner bogies.
Transnet will supply the locomotives and operate the trains as part of its general freight service. A typical RailRunner train would consist of 40 trailers although overseas experience has shown that consists could operate with up to 200 trailers.
Transnet says a bimodal service would offer its customers “a complete logistics solution” that combines the strength of both road and rail transport.
Local industry is also expected to score on the deal as the RailRunner bogies would be manufactured in South Africa, in line with Transnet’s localisation requirements.

LINK to Demo Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUgi4lQKmF8

LINK to Demo Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsBJ1AZH788&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR2NYnWKBmOnm2Ln0B9jLWAv4_wyFDK0buOGlD3C6nsoDISfKXJxaAlgO-0

HO scale model railway
rolling stock accessories.

Test fitting some parts to check
the articulating trailer hitch
action and the height.
The "Intermediate Unit Bogie"
operates well on track, happy
with its performance at this
stage.

The finished "Intermediate
Unit Bogie"

The finished "Anchor
Unit Bogie"

The "Transition Unit Bogie" build...

Finished with the "Anchor
Unit Bogie" (top)
Scratch building the
"Transition Unit Bogie" next,
it will be the final Bogie to
complete this set...
Precision measurements and
cutting of all plastic parts
are of the utmost importance.

Test fitting the bogie...

Comparing the "twins"...

Scratch built "RailRunner Intermodal
System Set" (HO scale)
They're just what they appear to be -
semitrailers with specially-designed
"bogies" placed underneath for rail
service.
Due for trials on South African
soil (rail) in mid 2017.