UWC unveils new generation of wagons for heavy weight traffic
United Wagon Company (UWC) has presented full-scale samples of an articulated gondola and a universal gondola with 135 m3 and 108 m3 volume of a car’s body respectively. A widespread operational use of new freight cars will contribute to an increase of throughput capacity of the rail network up to 40%.
The technical characteristics of the articulated gondola provide an increase in its load-carrying capacity up to 117 t (+47 t of freight in comparison with standard models). Trains made up with this type of rolling stock will allow to increase a tonnage up to 8,900 tons (+32% compared to standard models) while maintaining a standard length of a train-set. That benefit will provide an increase in throughput capacity of rail network by almost 40%. The articulated gondola has two bodies, connected by a special device. The construction design of the wagon ensures its unhindered passing of curved track sections and maintenance at the terminals. The braking system is completed with modern braking devices having wear-resistant materials, providing for mileage resource not less than 1mn km.
Peculiar features of the second gondola with unloading hatches are the application of a clearance Tpr and the use of an undercarriage arrangement with axle load 27 t/f. The innovative bogie, applied in the construction design of the car, and the volume of the car, having been increased up to 108 m3, provide for an enhanced, up to 83 t, loading (+13 t of freight in comparison with analogues), contributing to effective traffic of a wide range of bulk cargo. Trains makeup with the application of this type of rolling stock will allow to increase tonnage rating up to 7,700 tons (+15% in comparison with standard models) while maintaining a standard length of a train-set. The gondola provides for maximum efficiency in operation on routs with big freight turnover, ensuring a considerable reduction of freight transportation costs and an increase in throughput capacity of rail network, as well as a reduction of necessary fleet and idle time during service maintenance.
The certification of these new generation freight cars is scheduled in the third quarter of 2016.
