VTG-Hopperwagen auf einem Rangiergleis mit Lokomotive im Hintergrund.

Challenging conversion of hopper wagons

VTG optimises 35 hopper wagons for the dust-free transport of dolomite lime. An efficient solution was developed with innovative technical adaptations and close collaboration - including an adaptation for travelling through a historic tunnel.

Transport of dolomite lime

In mid-2023, VTG received an exciting enquiry from Nedmag B.V.: the Dutch company was looking for a solution to convert 35 hopper wagons for transporting dolomite lime. The aim was to ensure the most efficient and dust-free loading and unloading of the fine, highly dusty material.

Our customer's enquiry was both interesting and challenging.

Mustafa Akpinar Team Lead Technical Support Standard Freight

Quotation

VTG developed an innovative flat slide gate module to minimise dust during unloading. This enables pneumatic opening and closing of the slides - i.e. controlled by air pressure. In addition, electric and pneumatic switches were integrated to make the unloading process even more efficient.

Passage through historic tunnel

In addition to dust-free unloading, another challenge was the route profile. The wagons have to be transported from Hermalle-sous-Argenteau (Belgium) to Veendam (Netherlands) - and on this route there is a tunnel that is over 120 years old, the height of which is not sufficient for standard hopper wagons.

The solution: VTG specifically adapted the wagon height and lowered it to 4.2 metres. This ensured that the wagons could pass through the tunnel safely.

Successful test run

All 35 wagons have been delivered to Nedmag and they are already using our converted wagons very diligently to ensure the transport of dolomite lime. This project is a great example of seamless collaboration between technical support and sales and shows what is possible when expertise comes together.

  • Close-up of a blue hopper wagon with an open unloading system above a bulk goods pit
    Lower section of the VTG hopper wagon with open flat slide module, which enables low-dust unloading of the dolomite lime.
  • Detailed view of the technical interface on the hopper wagon for dust-free unloading.
    Mechanical and pneumatic connections on the unloading system of the hopper wagon ensure efficient material unloading.
  • Hopper wagon travels through historic tunnel with low ceiling height.
    The converted VTG hopper wagon passes through the narrow, over 120-year-old tunnel - a technical challenge that was overcome by reducing the height of the wagon to 4.2 metres.
  • VTG hopper wagon on a shunting track with locomotive in the background.
    The fully converted VTG hopper wagon stands on a track, ready for use in the special transport of dolomite lime.
  • Close-up of a blue hopper wagon with an open unloading system above a bulk goods pit
  • Detailed view of the technical interface on the hopper wagon for dust-free unloading.
  • Hopper wagon travels through historic tunnel with low ceiling height.
  • VTG hopper wagon on a shunting track with locomotive in the background.

Cooperation as the key to success

The close collaboration between Sales and Technical Support was a decisive factor in the success of the project. Right from the start, the teams worked closely together to understand the customer's specific requirements and develop a customised solution. In particular, the technical modification of the standard freight wagons posed a major challenge, as they had to be adapted for travelling through the tunnel.

New standards in special transport

This successful project underlines VTG's innovative strength and technical expertise in the field of freight transport. The customised adaptations to the hopper wagon show how even complex challenges can be overcome through interdisciplinary cooperation and technical expertise.

Many VTG standard freight cars hitched together.
We offer various standard goods wagons in different designs for a wide range of goods such as steel products, agricultural products and building materials.
Laughing VTG employee at table with laptop
Contact us
Need more information? Our staff will be happy to help.