RSSB’s Trailing Load Limits calculator is pushing the bounds of what freight locos can haul
How many tons a freight train can haul depends partly on the strength of the couplers holding wagons together. These limits are defined in the freight train loads book, which had not been reviewed in a wholesale fashion for decades. This changed when RSSB challenged the existing methodology and, together with Railfreight Consulting, revised these limits.
The result is that it is now possible to haul extra wagons per train. Longer freight formations have a positive impact on cost, carbon and capacity. Crucially the new values can be applied to wagons in use today without the need to upgrade or undertake detailed engineering assessment.
Thanks to this work, more than 12,000 rail freight wagons, over 50% of Britain’s fleet, receive an increase in traction rating (that is the amount of weight wagons are able to safely haul). For example, existing 34.5 tonne rated couplers increased by 16% to 40 tonnes, and some 56 tonne rated couplers increased 13% to a new 63 tonne rating.
A trailing load limits calculator has been developed using the methodology developed as part of this work. This allows freight operators to easily assess opportunities to safely increase limits for existing or new services. Thanks to the calculator, Freightliner are already running longer trains of bulk aggregates working out of Tunstead in Derbyshire. And RSSB are supporting Network Rail and freight operators adopt the new hauling limits more widely.
Ultimately, the calculator can be used to develop all Trailing Load Limits contained within the Freight Train Loads Book. This means operators will then be able to use the maximum hauling capabilities of their wagons across the network, without the need to go through the Network Rail service plan review process on a case-by-case basis.
May 2024
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