This is a used DIFCO 1974 dual side dump rail car that was modified for demonstration purposes
in 2022 to include battery power for propulsion and belt pack control. Ex-Black Mesa & Lake
Powell RR side dump car # 107 was used, upgraded and modified as indicated here.
Ex Black Mesa & Lake Powell RR side dump car # 107 used
• Traction power was added to one axle
• A small battery package under the car was added
• Electricals and controls for operation added
• Lights added
• Air compressor added
The re-used components include:
• vehicle structural and body components
• the truck frames and running gear components
• wheels and axles
• pneumatic box dump system
• couplers, draft gear, and airbrake equipment
The new components include:
• the battery pack
• belt pack control system
• air compressor
• electric propulsion motor
• braking system components as needed
• related electrical/equipment boxes
• Lighting
Technical Summary
Battery Energy: 21.7 KWh
Starting Tractive Effort: 4,000 lbs (1 minute)
Continuous Tractive Effort 1,120 lbs
Maximum Achievable Speed: 3.7 Mph (5.9 Kph)
Track Gauge: Standard, 56.5 inches
Length: 45 feet, 6 inches
Width: 10 feet, 8 inches
Height: 8 feet, 5 inches
Fully Loaded Weight: 115 tons
Empty Weight: 45 tons
Load Weight Capacity: 70 tons
Load Volume Capacity: 50 cubic yards
Axle Configuration: Bo-Bo configuration, two - two axle trucks
Minimum Curve Negotiability: 100 foot radius / 60 degree curve
Power System: Battery power
Batteries: 96, 271 AH LIFePO4 prismatic cells
Dump System: Dual side dump, hydraulic operated
Remote Operating System Belt Pack control system
Airbrake System: RR Industry standard freight car type, modified
Couplers: Standard freight car type, as on BMLP # 107
Draft Gear: Standard freight car type, as on BMLP # 107
Trucks: One - two axle, 125 ton, 7”x12” journals heavy capacity
One - two axle, 70 ton, 6.5’ x 12” journals
Axle Gear: Re-qualified locomotive bull gear
Wheels: 38 inch wheels, re-qualified
Traction Motor: One AC traction motor
Air Compressor: Electric motor driven, 25 CFM at 110 psig, 2 stage
Main and auxiliary tanks
Brake Rigging & Brake Shoes: Single shoe braking system
Vehicle has only been used for demonstration purposes since modification in 2022.
Dump system is fully operational.
Body was sandblasted, primered, and painted inside and out in gray. Frame and trucks black.
Flashing headlights added at each end of the vehicle. Electric bell & air horn added. All stop
emergency shut down switches, large mushroom type, added at each corner of the vehicle.
Vehicle is located in Halifax, NS Canada, not registered in UMLER, not interchangeable compliant.