TN2305 Iss 1

This technical note will help industry assess the ability of a locomotive to haul loads over a route. It focuses on coupler load capacity and assessment of route gradient and curvature.

This technical note was originally numbered TN103.

This technical note has been produced to inform industry of the recommendations from RSSB research project T1256 ‘Guidance on limits of freight train trailing length as governed by coupler strength’. This technical note will enable users to realise the benefits of hauling heavier freight trains in advance of the formal update of standards and rules.

This technical note complements GMGN2688 Guidance on Designing Rail Freight Wagons for use on the GB Mainline Railway and other associated standards.

It is applicable to:

• freight train operators and their customers; and
• infrastructure managers.