Cranemasters Brings Quiet to the Neighborhood

BRC is the largest intermediate switching terminal railroad in the U.S., handling nearly 8,400 rail cars every 24 hours in Chicago, where almost all railroads connect. Its primary purpose is to sort, classify, and assemble freight cars bound for specific destinations.

As with other classifying yards, railroad cars are pushed over a raised track—a hump—and released to roll onto designated tracks. As the individual cars coast down the hump, retarders control the speed by applying pressure to the wheels of the cars to ensure safe coupling with the other cars in the line up. Automated systems adjust the pressure based on the car’s weight and speed, enhancing efficiency.

However, older retarders squeeze the wheels when the train of coupled cars is being pulled out, causing a “retarder squeal” that can last for several minutes at 100 to 130 decibels. This volume is comparable to the loudness of a rock concert or a jackhammer. In contrast, new systems like the RS-2000, manufactured by Trackside Services, reduce noise by avoiding contact when the line of coupled trains are pulled out for departure.

BRC is highly concerned about the people in the communities where it operates and the environment, including noise pollution. Accordingly, BRC decided to upgrade to quieter retarders to minimize noise at its East Classification Yard in Bedford Park, IL. Replacing the yard’s many retarders was assigned to Cranemasters, which has the equipment, experienced crews, and know-how for such a large project.