Caterpillar D11R Dozer

The Cat dealer just south of Tampa Florida had this dozer on display in the yard adjacent to i75. I have run D10s but never been close to a D11, a very impressive machine indeed.  I was on this outing by myself and didn’t have a “photographer” with me to take a good picture of me standing beside it.  The picture below of me standing beside the drive sprocket was taken by me holding my camera at “arms-length”.

Specifications:

Engine – 935 Horsepower

Weight – 230100 Pounds

Drawbar Pull – 337,000 Pounds

Blade Capacity – 44.99 Cubic Yards.

Complete Specifications are published by Cat at: http://www.cat.com/cda/layout?m=607306&x=7

“Train Wreck – The Forensics of Rail Disasters” written by George Bibel

I have always had an interest in trains and my interest peaked after visiting the “Folkston Funnel” in Folkston Georgia. http://www.folkston.com/trains/trains.htm

This book is a very interesting and informative read for rail professionals, rail-fans, those who are mechanically inclined, and those who are fascinated by the process of analysing complex problems and events. It includes examples of train wrecks and discusses the root causes of them.

It delves into many of the challenges of operating today’s long, heavy freight trains and the challenges faced by operators of lighter but much higher speed passenger trains.

Just a few of the subjects covered include collisions, derailments, mechanical failures, rail and road-bed deterioration, to name just a few. The book is a great read and I recommend it, written by Dr. George Bibel.   (Disclaimer: I have no monetary interest in the sale of this book and no relationship with the publisher or the author except that the author provided the PDF of the book cover.)