Stephen Thompson Wrote:
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> My sis sent me a question and photo of a string of
> Herzog hoppers at Titlow, WA, near Tacoma. They
> appear to have solar panels mounted on top of both
> ends of each car. This is a new one on me, what's
> the story?

Those are remote controlled ballast cars, which are electronically controlled by a ground man using a remote controller, walking beside the consist as ballast is spread on the move. The solar panels keep the onboard electrical system powered.