Auto Ballaster sets

[TravisM]

I’m hoping to recreate a Auto Ballaster set using Bachmann’s models but was wondering if they ran in sets of three, five or more? Do they have the generator vehicle at each end?

 

Are they used by all the freight companies or just DBC, DRS and GBRf?

[newbryford]

I’m hoping to recreate a Auto Ballaster set using Bachmann’s models but was wondering if they ran in sets of three, five or more? Do they have the generator vehicle at each end?

 

Are they used by all the freight companies or just DBC, DRS and GBRf?

 

The JJA autoballasters as modelled by Bachmann "normally" run in 5 sets. There are some shortened formations, particularly on West Highland duties (The later HQA sets are semi-permanently coupled 5 sets and have reasonably noticeable differences from the earlier JJA)

Again, the generator is "normally" at the end of a set, but has been seen in the middle and not always with the genny towards the outer end of the set. One generator per 5-set.

 

The JJAs were originally owned by GE Rail Services and leased by Network Rail - now owned by NwR. 

As such they can be operated in engineering trains by any of the freight operating companies.

 

Cheers,

Mick

[Steadfast]

As Mick says, as standard the sets are 1 generator plus 4 non generator. The position of the generator can vary with within the set. We had a rake of 9 JJAs recently, but it was actually a 4 set and a 5 set, each with a generator. When the Track Renewal Train goes out they'll often just have one generator and one non generator tagged on as a pair. This pair will often travel up to the VQ for reloading, hauled by a Freightliner 66 as they haul the Track Renewal Train as part of the High Output work. Have a look at 6C72 Taunton Fairwater - Westbury and 6C73 return on Flickr for evidence.

The yard to yard infrastructure trips can sometimes see a solo JJA being moved before or after maintenance, but most maintenance work is done on the set kept together as a whole. The solo could also be to make a 4 set back up to the standard 5.

One generator can run up to to 10 wagons (including itself) but I've never seen a generator with more than 4 non generators. The ability to power another set is useful if one set breaks down on site.

 

Jo