THE TRAINLOAD 'TROLLEY' (MULE) SYSTEM

This is an endless rope haulage system comprising a trolley, which runs on auxiliary rail at 917 mm gauge, and is situated between the main track rails. The haulage trolley runs along this auxiliary rail and is physically stopped at the winch end by a fixed mechanical stop and at the tension end by retractable mechanical stops. These mechanical stops are only intended for use if the end limit switches and their backup switches fail, or should a loco attempt to move the wagons whilst they are attached to the trolley.

The Trainload trolley system can be used where there is through traffic, when trains are delivered on one side of the loading or unloading installation and collected on the other or where wagons are to be separated and loaded individually and when trains are to be split up or reassembled.

The trolley cannot be used where there are turnouts.

Where it is necessary for a locomotive to pass over the equipment, the trolley can be parked in a lowered ambush pit.

The trolley has extendable arms with contactor wheels on the end of each cross tube that attach across the treads of the running wheels, no contact is made with the flanges.