Abstract: A moveable plow for a locomotive suitable for operating in sandy environments is provided. The moveable plow comprises a body and a wearable lip. The body forms a curl at its top edge along substantially the entire body width to channel the flow of sand outwardly. The lip is removably affixed to the body and contacts a rail. The moveable plow is attached to a bogie by a pneumatically operated height adjusting mechanism that can raise or lower the moveable plow. The moveable plow and rail define a sweep angle equal to or greater than an angle of repose of the sand in the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A sand plow system for a locomotive is described. The sand plow system may comprise an adjustable plow configured for vertical adjustment between a lowered position in which the adjustable plow is in contact with the rails and a raised position in which the adjustable plow is suspended above the rails. The sand plow system may further comprise a fixed plow disposed axially forward of the adjustable plow with respect to a longitudinal axis of the locomotive. The fixed plow may be vertically raised above the rails by a distance of less than 150 millimeters.

Abstract: A moveable plow for a locomotive suitable for operating in sandy environments is provided. The moveable plow comprises a body and a wearable lip. The body forms a curl at its top edge along substantially the entire body width to channel the flow of sand outwardly. The lip is removably affixed to the body and contacts a rail. The moveable plow is attached to a bogie by a pneumatically operated height adjusting mechanism that can raise or lower the moveable plow. The moveable plow and rail define a sweep angle equal to or greater than an angle of repose of the sand in the surrounding environment.