Patent ID: 9193363
Filing Date: 2015-11-24
Classification: B61C

Abstract:
1. A ballast configured to be selectively coupled to an underside of a chassis of a locomotive based on an anticipated change in axle load capacity of a rail, the ballast comprising: a container including one or more sides, the container storing a heavy mass of material, wherein the weight of the heavy mass of material is provided based on the anticipated change in the axle load capacity of the rail; a lid disposed on one of a bottom and lateral sides of the container; and a catch plate disposed above, spaced apart and rigidly attached to the container to define at least one pocket therebetween above a top side of the container, the at least one pocket configured to allow one or more lifting implements to be inserted such that the ballast may be hoisted by the catch plate and the catch plate of the ballast selectively coupled to the underside of the chassis.