The three most important factors impacting rolling resistance are the grade of the track, the curvature of the track, and the number of railcars being moved.
To measure the degree of curve, stretch a line sixty-two (62) feet long with a mark at the mid-point (31 ft.) on the outside of the inner rail flange. Measure the distance from the mid-point mark vertically to the rail flange. Each one inch equals 1 degree of rail cuvature.
To measure the percent of rail grade, stretch a one hundred inch (100") line along the rail as shown above. Level the line with a bubble level. Once the line is level while touching the rail on the upper side measure the drop to the rail (A). Each inch equals one percent of grade.
Grade and curve are often found in combination with each other. The calculator below will help give a rough determiation of how much drawbar pull or tractive effort is required for your moving needs.
Note:
While grade and curve are the biggest factors in determining rolling resistance, there are many other factors that can impact rolling resistance, i.e. weather, track condition, rail bed condition, rail gauge and so on. Most railcar manufacturers will conduct a free on-site track survey to determine more accurately what your particular rolling resistance and options are.
For a no cost or obligation track survey either click here or call
(816) 767-0300.
OEM supplier of Shuttlewagon brand mobile railcar movers for in-plant railcar switching operations. Additional services include new, used, reconditioned and remanufactured equipment for sale or rent, on-site consulting, aftermarket parts and service support, and on-site operator training.
