R. J. Corman Railroad Services’ St. Louis Emergency Services division completed a critical rail scale rehabilitation project for Rain Carbon Inc. (Rain Carbon) at its Illinois carbon black facility in October 2025. The project addressed significant structural deterioration and restored the accuracy and reliability of the in-motion scale, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency for years to come. 

Rain Carbon’s in-motion rail scale had experienced severe wear over time, with sagging approaches, rusted steel plates, and compromised anchor bolts causing inaccurate and inconsistent weighments. To resolve these issues, R. J. Corman mobilized a specialized team and executed the work during a tightly scheduled one-week plant shutdown.  

The rehabilitation involved extensive technical work. Crews removed rail from both 75-foot concrete approaches, cut off approximately 300 failed bolts, and demolished the deteriorated base plates. Each foundation was carefully cleaned and prepped before new holes were drilled, and bolts were installed. New rail plates were positioned and leveled with precision to ensure cars remain perfectly aligned during weighment. Additional routing beneath the base plates provided structural stability for long-term performance. 

Planning and execution required close coordination with Rain Carbon and subcontractors Mac Contracting and Great River Track. The team faced multiple challenges, including drilling through reinforced concrete without damaging the foundation and working around embedded rebar. To meet the deadline, crews worked 12- to 16-hour shifts throughout the week, demonstrating exceptional commitment and dedication. 

Despite these constraints, the project was completed on schedule, allowing Rain Carbon to resume operations immediately after the shutdown. The rehabilitation is expected to extend the scale’s service life by 10 to 15 years and significantly improve weighment repeatability. This is critical for in-motion scales, as they demand precise alignment and calibration. All work adhered to AREMA Committee 34 standards, reinforcing R. J. Corman’s commitment to industry best practices. 

R. J. Corman Railroad Services remains committed to providing innovative, high-quality solutions for customers across the rail industry. They have proven to excel in undertakings across the board, from new construction to specialized rehabilitations like this scale project.