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How to use it
Enter tare, payload, number of axles, length over buffers and distance between bogie centres, or between the two axles for a two-axle vehicle. With the position of the centre of gravity the load is distributed between the two ends. The calculator gives the mass per axle, the mass per unit length, the lowest compatible line category and, for each category, the maximum payload with an indication of the governing limit.
Formulas used
Limits
This is the simplified classification, valid when the axle spacings fall within those of the reference wagons. For locomotives, track machines, vehicles with closely spaced axles or unusual wheelbases the standard requires a comparison of the effects on the reference bridge. Then there are the weighing tolerances and the load distribution limits. The related service is on the railway sector page.
FAQ
What does the line category indicate?
It is a pair of limits: the mass per axle and the mass per unit length that the line allows. A vehicle may run on a line if it is within both at the intended speed.
Why does length sometimes govern instead of the axle?
A short vehicle with many axles can meet the axle limit and exceed the limit per metre. In the table the «Limit» column shows which of the two stops the payload.
Does it also apply to track machines?
As a first check, yes. For special vehicles the complete verification compares moments and shear forces with those of the reference wagons and considers running and working conditions.