Rail car Scales

What sets A-1 Scales apart is our staff, some of whom have been providing, installing, and servicing scales for over 20 years. They have a thorough understanding of the different methods and manufacturers available and are more experienced than most manufacturers’ support staff.

Expert Installation

Understanding that each application is unique needs, we offer customized installation services. Our team of expert technicians is adept at installing a variety of train scales, ensuring seamless integration into your existing operations. We focus on optimizing the setup to enhance throughput and accuracy, considering your specific logistical and spatial requirements.

Expert Service

To maintain the highest levels of accuracy and reliability, our services extend beyond sales and installation. We provide expert service, calibration, and repair for all types of train scales.

Our repair services are designed to minimize downtime, with a swift response to any issue you might encounter. From routine maintenance to complex repairs, our team is equipped to handle challenges of all types and severity, ensuring operations are maximized and down-time is minimized.

Advanced In-Motion Weighing

Advanced in-motion methods were introduced in the 2000’s, where load cells are placed under each tie. This method is significantly more accurate and does not vary much in up-front cost, but the install and maintenance is usually more labor-intensive (but not always).

Benefits:

• Offers better accuracy and speed than traditional in-motion
• Can handle high speeds, making it suitable for modern rail operations
• Minimal impact on rail traffic flow allowing highest speed of in-motion weighing
• Decreases wear on trains, rails, and the load cells themselves

Drawbacks:

• High cost of installation and maintenance (usually)
• May require sophisticated software and training to interpret data accurately
• The accuracy can be affected by rail conditions and speed variations
• Manufacturer Options

Why we recommend Schenck for Advanced In-Motion:

• Enables in-motion weighing of up to 14 mph
• Conducts wheel condition assessments at speeds up to 155 mph
• Features low upfront costs
• Offers reduced maintenance expenses compared to competing offerings
• Decreases wear on trains, rails, and scales themselves
• Enhances operational efficiency
• Does not impose speed limitations
• Requires minimal approach and departure space

Cost Efficiency

Schenck’s innovative approach involves integrating ridged load cells within concrete railroad ties, which can be installed underneath the rails with minimal disruption. This method eliminates the need for expensive concrete pads and precast sections, as well as the harsh impacts associated with them. The result is a reduction in maintenance costs, an extension of equipment lifespan, elimination of speed restrictions, improved passenger comfort, less noise, fewer requirements for approaches and departures, and a substantially lowered risk of derailments.

Better Safety

The MULTIRAIL® solution has the capability to assess the condition of wheels and identify whether a load is too heavy or unevenly distributed for the track. While its diagnostic effectiveness is higher at lower speeds, it can still provide crucial insights at velocities up to 155 mph.

Better Logistics

The ability to weigh in motion, up to 14 mph, simplifies logistical challenges significantly, particularly for liquid cargoes that traditionally required stabilization before weighing. Certified for commercial transactions at speeds up to 10 mph, the MULTITRAIN® system can also perform static weighing for reference. It facilitates data transmission to remote locations, thereby reducing the necessity for on-site operators in numerous scenarios.