Edmonton Transit Service Track and Ballast MoW Machines #3857-3859, 3862

EDMONTON TRANSIT SERVICE
LRT Specialty Equipment
Track and Ballast MoW Machines #2093, 2097, 3857-3859

Since the 1980's, ETS has acquired a fleet of MoW equipment geared towards maintaining the ballast and tie sections of the LRT line.
It is believed that 3857 was purchased used in the mid-1980's. In 2002 (I forget when!) 3857 derailed and suffered damage. As a result the City was able to receive an insurance payment for the unit on the condition that the replacement unit make sure of the torsion beam (big long beam with the laser alignment buggies attached to it) on the replacement unit, which was a refurbished unit from Harsco. This unit was fitted with the torsion beam, and ETS crews where then able to repair the damage to 3857. For the remainder of it's time 3857 was generally in use without the torsion beam. In 2018 ETS took delivery of a new Harsco Mark IV HD tamper, sporting a new orange livery. Originally numbered 3862, it was later renumbered to 2097. In the mean time, 3858 was taken down to E Track at Cromdale where 3858 had the Torsion Beam removed and put into storage in the tent at Cromdale, later moved to the Yellowhead Yard. 3858 then took on the role 3857 had, and continues in service. #3857 in the mean time was acquired by Calgary Transit, arriving there on October 17, 2019.
ETS's ballast regulator fleet I am a little bit less sure on it's history.
My earliest photos, taken from moving trains, show a regulator that doesn't match 3859. I suspect that this the 1973 unit noted in numerous issues of the Canadian Trackside Guide, which would make it a Kershaw unit. It *might* have had the number of 3858 and is suspected to have been acquired around 1986.
3859 is a regulator of unknown year of manufacture, builder, or acquisition year. I suspect it is still a Kershaw built unit, and further suspect it was purchased around the same time as tamper 3858, so somewhere in the 2003-2003 timeframe. It sports "remanufactured by Fairmont Tamper" markings. Presumably, if the first regulator was indeed #3858, it seems it was retired in time for the tamper to take that number.
3859 was slated to be replaced in the current (2019-2022) Capital Budget cycle, so after spending some time at work during the summer of 2019 and 2020, it's replacement arrived in April/ May 2021 in form of #2093.
#2093 is a 2021 (presumed) Knox Kershaw KSF 940 ballast regulator/ snow fighter. According to Knox Kershaw website, this is basically a winterized KBR 925. The plow is intended for use with snow and ballast, as opposed to the KBR 925 which has a much shorter plow. The side wings can be replaced with blades for snow, and a snow thrower can be attached at the rear. Not sure exactly which optional accessories ETS has gone with, or, what they even need at this point. So far, it's intial testing/ training/ commissioning has been a long the ex CN portion of E track.

(Sources: Personal observations, Edmonton's Electric Transit, Various Editions of the Canadian Trackside Guide)

ETS Surfacing and Lining Equipment- ETS has owned a 3 tampers. 3857 is a Mark I Switch Tamper, 3858 is a Mark II, and 3862 is a Mark IV HD. Tampers are used to lift and line track, packing and adjusting ballast to correct deficiencies in track alignment to produce track that provides a smooth ride. Without tamping, the portions of the line built with ballast and tie construction could see deterioration of the track bed that would lead to slow orders and bumpy ride. Hopefully, I'll be able to dig up some original material, but, back in the 1980's LRT experienced issues with track, in particular between Coliseum and Belvedere. I believe part of the issue was the grade of wooden tie used. Track speed was reduced as a result, and, I wouldn't be surprised if that was what lead to the purchase of 3857 and and 3859. That section of track during the summer of 2016 was rebuilt with concrete ties, new ballast, and then had a crossover added.

3858/57 September 12, 2012 3857 (front) and 3858 on E track receiving maintenance.

3857 Fairmont Tamper Mark I Tamper Model- This tamper seemed to be the primary tamper in use when I first saw it in 2002. Back then I didn't have a scanner, or late night transit, to roam the LRT when beasts like this come out to play, so, it's derailment was the one and only time I saw it in service. The unit was under refurbishment during the 25th Anniversary Open House at DLM. After refurbishment it lost it's torsion beam and laser alignment buggies. With the arrival of #2097, 3857 was removed from service, and coincidentally ended up with Calgary Transit right around the time that ETS acquired CT's Pettibone #3209 which was rebuilt as ETS #2209.

3857 2002 ETS #3857 is a tamper built by Canron. #3857 is seen heading northbound into Belvedere Station while returning to the D.L. MacDonald Transit Yards after suffering a derailment just south of Coliseum.
3857 2002 ETS #3857 is a tamper built by Canron. #3857 is seen heading northbound into Belvedere Station while returning to the D.L. MacDonald Transit Yards after suffering a derailment just south of Coliseum.

3857 April 26, 2003 ETS #3857 seen inside of D.L. McDonald while being refurbished.

3857 September 24, 2006 ETS #3857 sitting on the northbound track just south of Belvedere Station.

3857 September 20, 2008 ETS #3857 inside of the shop building at the D.L. McDonald Transit Yards.

3858 Fairmont Tamper Mark II Tamper Model ESTDAG- 3858 was purchased as a replacement for 3857 with insurance money from the derailment. The unit received the torsion beam from 3857 and was the primary tamper until replaced by 2097, at which point the torsion beam went into storage and 3858 took on 3858's previous role.

3858 September 20, 2008 ETS #3858 inside of the shop building at the D.L. McDonald Transit Yards.

3858 September 20, 2008 ETS #3858 inside of the shop building at the D.L. McDonald Transit Yards.

3858 September 20, 2008 ETS #3858 inside of the shop building at the D.L. McDonald Transit Yards.

3858 May 18, 2011 ETS #3858 on the South Campus pocket track during the day between doing work on the SLRT.

3858 May 18, 2011 ETS #3858 on the South Campus pocket track during the day between doing work on the SLRT.

3858 May 18, 2011 ETS #3858 on the South Campus pocket track during the day between doing work on the SLRT.

3858 May 18, 2011 ETS #3858 on the South Campus pocket track during the day between doing work on the SLRT.

2097 Harsco Mark IV HD Tamper- Added to the LRT fleet in 2018, this machine certainly seems like a monster compared to it's two predecessors! Various other projects have seen Mark IV tampers on ETS rails previously. This is the first equipment to come in orange. I guess time will tell if this colour choice is a one off or not. Originally numbered as 3862 (which actually conflicted with the rail grinder that was on property, but not in use, it was later renumbered to 2097.

3862 August 14, 2018 ETS #3862 along E track, likely for testing/ training/ commissioning. Thanks to the pedestrian path, we were able to get nice, unobstructed views of the machine in operation.

3862 August 14, 2018 ETS #3862 along E track, likely for testing/ training/ commissioning. Thanks to the pedestrian path, we were able to get nice, unobstructed views of the machine in operation.

3862 August 14, 2018 ETS #3862 along E track, likely for testing/ training/ commissioning. Thanks to the pedestrian path, we were able to get nice, unobstructed views of the machine in operation.

3862 August 14, 2018 ETS #3862 along E track, likely for testing/ training/ commissioning. Thanks to the pedestrian path, we were able to get nice, unobstructed views of the machine in operation.

3862 August 14, 2018 ETS #3862 along E track, likely for testing/ training/ commissioning. Two different views showing the full machine with the laser alignment buggies extended, this one a telephoto.

3862 August 14, 2018 ETS #3862 along E track, likely for testing/ training/ commissioning. Two different views showing the full machine with the laser alignment buggies extended, this one a wide angle.

2097 November 4, 2018 ETS #2097, now renumbered from 3862, parked on E track next to Coliseum Station.

2097 November 4, 2018 ETS #2097, now renumbered from 3862, parked on E track next to Coliseum Station.

Kershaw Ballast Regulator- It is suspected that this unit was purchased used as part of Edmonton Transit's other track equipment purchases from around 1986. It is suspected that this was a 1973 unit. It was replaced by 2003 by #3859. There is a possibility this was #3858.

???? The ballast regulator on the mainline, outside of D.L. MacDonald. This was probably the first time I saw MoW work occurring on the LRT with any sort of equipment like this. I believe this was taken in the 1999-2000 time range.

???? The ballast regulator on the mainline, outside of D.L. MacDonald. This was probably the first time I saw MoW work occurring on the LRT with any sort of equipment like this. I believe this was taken in the 1999-2000 time range.

???? The ballast regulator on track 2 in the DLM south yard, probably taken in the 1999-2001 time range.

3859 Kershaw Ballast Regulator- Replacing the earlier unit, it is suspect that this unit was acquired in 2002 or 2003.

3859 April 26, 2003 ETS #3859 on display inside of D.L. McDonald with a lot of it's gadgets deployed.

3859 April 26, 2003 ETS #3859 on display inside of D.L. McDonald with a lot of it's gadgets deployed..

3859 April 26, 2003 ETS #3859 on display inside of D.L. McDonald with a lot of it's gadgets deployed..

3859 September 12, 2008 ETS #3859 outside of the shop building at the D.L. McDonald Transit Yards.

3859 July 29, 2011 ETS #3859 on the Century Park tailtrack between working on the tracks overnight.

3859 June 16, 2018 ETS #3859 on display at D.L. MacDonald during an open house for the 40th anniversary of LRT.

3859 June 16, 2018 ETS #3859 on display at D.L. MacDonald during an open house for the 40th anniversary of LRT.

3859 August 20, 2018 ETS #3859 parked on E track alongside Coliseum during the summer of 2018.

3859 August 20, 2018 ETS #3859 parked on E track alongside Coliseum during the summer of 2018.

2093 Knox Kershaw KSF 940 ballast regulator/ snow fighter- Added to the LRT fleet in 2018, this machine certainly seems like a monster compared to it's two predecessors! Various other projects have seen Mark IV tampers on ETS rails previously. This is the first equipment to come in orange. I guess time will tell if this colour choice is a one off or not. If I ever catch this unit being used for snow removal I might well include those photos with the snow removal equipment.

2093 May 12, 2021 ETS #2093 under going testing/ training/ commissioning along E track, ex CN line.

2093 May 12, 2021 ETS #2093 under going testing/ training/ commissioning along E track, ex CN line.

2093 May 12, 2021 ETS #2093 parked adjacent to Coliseum Station, at the south end.

2093 May 12, 2021 ETS #2093 parked adjacent to Coliseum Station, at the south end.

2093 May 12, 2021 ETS #2093 parked adjacent to Coliseum Station, at the south end.

This page last updated in June 13, 2021

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*ETS Surfacing and Lining Equipment-* ETS has owned a 3 tampers. 3857 is a Mark I Switch Tamper, 3858 is a Mark II, and 3862 is a Mark IV HD. Tampers are used to lift and line track, packing and adjusting ballast to correct deficiencies in track alignment to produce track that provides a smooth ride. Without tamping, the portions of the line built with ballast and tie construction could see deterioration of the track bed that would lead to slow orders and bumpy ride. Hopefully, I'll be able to dig up some original material, but, back in the 1980's LRT experienced issues with track, in particular between Coliseum and Belvedere. I believe part of the issue was the grade of wooden tie used. Track speed was reduced as a result, and, I wouldn't be surprised if that was what lead to the purchase of 3857 and and 3859. That section of track during the summer of 2016 was rebuilt with concrete ties, new ballast, and then had a crossover added.
	3858/57	September 12, 2012	3857 (front) and 3858 on E track receiving maintenance.
3857 Fairmont Tamper Mark I Tamper Model- This tamper seemed to be the primary tamper in use when I first saw it in 2002. Back then I didn't have a scanner, or late night transit, to roam the LRT when beasts like this come out to play, so, it's derailment was the one and only time I saw it in service. The unit was under refurbishment during the 25th Anniversary Open House at DLM. After refurbishment it lost it's torsion beam and laser alignment buggies. With the arrival of #2097, 3857 was removed from service, and coincidentally ended up with Calgary Transit right around the time that ETS acquired CT's Pettibone #3209 which was rebuilt as ETS #2209.
	3857	2002	ETS #3857 is a tamper built by Canron. #3857 is seen heading northbound into Belvedere Station while returning to the D.L. MacDonald Transit Yards after suffering a derailment just south of Coliseum.
	3857	2002	ETS #3857 is a tamper built by Canron. #3857 is seen heading northbound into Belvedere Station while returning to the D.L. MacDonald Transit Yards after suffering a derailment just south of Coliseum.
	3857	April 26, 2003	ETS #3857 seen inside of D.L. McDonald while being refurbished.
	3857	September 24, 2006	ETS #3857 sitting on the northbound track just south of Belvedere Station.
	3857	September 20, 2008	ETS #3857 inside of the shop building at the D.L. McDonald Transit Yards.
3858 Fairmont Tamper Mark II Tamper Model ESTDAG- 3858 was purchased as a replacement for 3857 with insurance money from the derailment. The unit received the torsion beam from 3857 and was the primary tamper until replaced by 2097, at which point the torsion beam went into storage and 3858 took on 3858's previous role.
	3858	September 20, 2008	ETS #3858 inside of the shop building at the D.L. McDonald Transit Yards.
	3858	September 20, 2008	ETS #3858 inside of the shop building at the D.L. McDonald Transit Yards.
	3858	September 20, 2008	ETS #3858 inside of the shop building at the D.L. McDonald Transit Yards.
	3858	May 18, 2011	ETS #3858 on the South Campus pocket track during the day between doing work on the SLRT.
	3858	May 18, 2011	ETS #3858 on the South Campus pocket track during the day between doing work on the SLRT.
	3858	May 18, 2011	ETS #3858 on the South Campus pocket track during the day between doing work on the SLRT.
	3858	May 18, 2011	ETS #3858 on the South Campus pocket track during the day between doing work on the SLRT.
2097 Harsco Mark IV HD Tamper- Added to the LRT fleet in 2018, this machine certainly seems like a monster compared to it's two predecessors! Various other projects have seen Mark IV tampers on ETS rails previously. This is the first equipment to come in orange. I guess time will tell if this colour choice is a one off or not. Originally numbered as 3862 (which actually conflicted with the rail grinder that was on property, but not in use, it was later renumbered to 2097.
	3862	August 14, 2018	ETS #3862 along E track, likely for testing/ training/ commissioning. Thanks to the pedestrian path, we were able to get nice, unobstructed views of the machine in operation.
	3862	August 14, 2018	ETS #3862 along E track, likely for testing/ training/ commissioning. Thanks to the pedestrian path, we were able to get nice, unobstructed views of the machine in operation.
	3862	August 14, 2018	ETS #3862 along E track, likely for testing/ training/ commissioning. Thanks to the pedestrian path, we were able to get nice, unobstructed views of the machine in operation.
	3862	August 14, 2018	ETS #3862 along E track, likely for testing/ training/ commissioning. Thanks to the pedestrian path, we were able to get nice, unobstructed views of the machine in operation.
	3862	August 14, 2018	ETS #3862 along E track, likely for testing/ training/ commissioning. Two different views showing the full machine with the laser alignment buggies extended, this one a telephoto.
	3862	August 14, 2018	ETS #3862 along E track, likely for testing/ training/ commissioning. Two different views showing the full machine with the laser alignment buggies extended, this one a wide angle.
	2097	November 4, 2018	ETS #2097, now renumbered from 3862, parked on E track next to Coliseum Station.
	2097	November 4, 2018	ETS #2097, now renumbered from 3862, parked on E track next to Coliseum Station.
Kershaw Ballast Regulator- It is suspected that this unit was purchased used as part of Edmonton Transit's other track equipment purchases from around 1986. It is suspected that this was a 1973 unit. It was replaced by 2003 by #3859. There is a possibility this was #3858.
	????		The ballast regulator on the mainline, outside of D.L. MacDonald. This was probably the first time I saw MoW work occurring on the LRT with any sort of equipment like this. I believe this was taken in the 1999-2000 time range.
	????		The ballast regulator on the mainline, outside of D.L. MacDonald. This was probably the first time I saw MoW work occurring on the LRT with any sort of equipment like this. I believe this was taken in the 1999-2000 time range.
	????		The ballast regulator on track 2 in the DLM south yard, probably taken in the 1999-2001 time range.
3859 Kershaw Ballast Regulator- Replacing the earlier unit, it is suspect that this unit was acquired in 2002 or 2003.
	3859	April 26, 2003	ETS #3859 on display inside of D.L. McDonald with a lot of it's gadgets deployed.
	3859	April 26, 2003	ETS #3859 on display inside of D.L. McDonald with a lot of it's gadgets deployed..
	3859	April 26, 2003	ETS #3859 on display inside of D.L. McDonald with a lot of it's gadgets deployed..
	3859	September 12, 2008	ETS #3859 outside of the shop building at the D.L. McDonald Transit Yards.
	3859	July 29, 2011	ETS #3859 on the Century Park tailtrack between working on the tracks overnight.
	3859	June 16, 2018	ETS #3859 on display at D.L. MacDonald during an open house for the 40th anniversary of LRT.
	3859	June 16, 2018	ETS #3859 on display at D.L. MacDonald during an open house for the 40th anniversary of LRT.
	3859	August 20, 2018	ETS #3859 parked on E track alongside Coliseum during the summer of 2018.
	3859	August 20, 2018	ETS #3859 parked on E track alongside Coliseum during the summer of 2018.
2093 Knox Kershaw KSF 940 ballast regulator/ snow fighter- Added to the LRT fleet in 2018, this machine certainly seems like a monster compared to it's two predecessors! Various other projects have seen Mark IV tampers on ETS rails previously. This is the first equipment to come in orange. I guess time will tell if this colour choice is a one off or not. If I ever catch this unit being used for snow removal I might well include those photos with the snow removal equipment.
	2093	May 12, 2021	ETS #2093 under going testing/ training/ commissioning along E track, ex CN line.
	2093	May 12, 2021	ETS #2093 under going testing/ training/ commissioning along E track, ex CN line.
	2093	May 12, 2021	ETS #2093 parked adjacent to Coliseum Station, at the south end.
	2093	May 12, 2021	ETS #2093 parked adjacent to Coliseum Station, at the south end.
	2093	May 12, 2021	ETS #2093 parked adjacent to Coliseum Station, at the south end.