how does a coal tipple work?

Answer 1

In most instances, after the cars were emptied into the pit, most commonly through the bottom doors, a conveyor hoisted the 'black diamonds' to an overhead bin.

The locomotives would either pull along side, where a chute would fill the tender, or run underneath, where the coal was loaded directly from above. This allowed coaling-up of two locomotives simultaneously.

It was actually quicker to fill a coal bunker with the tons of fuel needed than it is to fill a 4500 gallon fuel tank today through a four inch hose.

Answer 2

Hi Mark, Earlier designs of coal tippler were used, among other things to fill steam locomotive coaling towers & the loaded coal wagon would be run onto a siding next to the coaling tower & winched up, then automatically tipped sideways into the bunker.

In more modern methods the wagons have couplings that can rotate through 360 degrees. The complete train moves through a discharge point where each wagon is secured by large clamps, then turned upside down emptying it's load.

Answer 3

Indeed, John has it right on. It's amazing to see these massive concrete structures still standing after over a half century of no use, the railroads sure built them to last.