Western Star Takes to the Rails in Portland

When engineers with a light-rail project in Portland, Ore. were ready to test track clearances, they turned to Western Star for a heavy-duty truck to haul a 100-ton train onto the rails.

Interstate Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) engineers used a highly customized Western Star 4900 SA heavy-duty truck to haul the monster MAX train onto the new railway alignment for the first time.
To ensure smooth travel along those lines, Canada-based Brandt Industries specially outfitted the 4900 SA. Steel wheels guided the truck on rails while the tandem tires stayed on the track to drive the vehicle.
"The 4900 SA is an excellent all-around truck and one of our most versatile models," said Cary Gatzke, engineering director for Western Star. "The 4900 SA is adaptable to a wide range of commercial vehicle jobs and we are very pleased the truck was able to meet the Interstate MAX challenge.
"We're especially happy that a Western Star was able to show off its capabilities in Portland, where these trucks are built."
Western Star trucks are produced at the Portland Truck Manufacturing Plant on Swan Island.
The 4900 SA line of vehicles feature a single steer front axle range of up to 20,000 pounds and tandem steer axles to 40,000 pounds. The rear axle capacity ranges up to 58,000 pounds. A full range of manual, automated, and automatic transmissions also are available. Engines vary in horsepower. All 4900 SA Line vehicles come standard with a high-visibility hood.
The 4900 SA truck used in the Interstate MAX line test is owned by TriMet, which operates the 38-mile MAX light rail line, 100 bus routes and service for seniors and people with disabilities.
Western Star Trucks Inc. is a subsidiary of Freightliner LLC, a leading North American producer of heavy-duty trucks. Headquartered in Willoughby, Ohio, Western Star produces heavy-duty custom trucks for long-haul and vocational applications. Freightliner LLC is a company of DaimlerChrysler.