3,500 tonne trailing load

[Clovelly]

Have just seen on Real-time trains 6J24 travelling between Norwich and Ely this morning described as diesel loco trailing 3,500 tonnes. I'm aware some freight trains are very heavy but this seems a enormous weight and am not surprised it was timed to travel at only 45 mph. Also, went via Bury St Edmunds-due to weight restrictions on the direct route via Thetford? Anyone any idea what was being hauled?

 

[FGW_DID]

That’s just a timing load, doesn’t mean it’s actually a Loco hauling 3500 tonnes.

6J24 is OTP (On Track Plant):

ontrackplant.com - On-Track Plant, Track Machines, Road-Rail Vehicles (RRVs), Rail Mounted Maintenance Machines (RMMMs), and Trailers

The website contains details of over 12,000 on-track machines, road-rail vehicles, non-powered trailers and attachments on the UK railway network. We have 1,000,000 sightings and 23,000 photos making it the largest resource for on-track plant enthusiasts and industry staff in the UK.

www.ontrackplant.com

 

[The Planner]

Normally freight is in 200 tonne even number increments. 3500 sounds odd.

 

[Clovelly]

Okay, many thanks FGW_DID. That makes sense. Thought I'd missed something spectacular but just a tamper or something of that ilk!

 

[FGW_DID]

Also the Train Service Code (TSC) 53693903 is for Balfour Beatty OTP which would tie up with the OTP website.

You can search for any TSC you may see on Realtime Trains (or elsewhere) here:

Train Service Codes - View All Train Service Codes - Rail Record UK

Search UK Train Service Codes - Train Service Codes are 8 digit numbers used to identify UK Train Services - Search Train Service Codes at Rail Record

www.rail-record.co.uk

 

[Snow1964]

There are heavier freight trains that are timed faster
eg 6A40 timed for 4200t at 60mph

Realtime Trains | 6A40 0840 Merehead Quarry (Fhh) to Hanwell Bridge Loop | 20/12/2023

Real-time train running information for 6A40 0840 departure from Merehead Quarry (Fhh) to Hanwell Bridge Loop on 20/12/2023. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[ac6000cw]

Thought I'd missed something spectacular but just a tamper or something of that ilk!

There's an NR maintenance base just south of Ely station, with a siding accessed from 'Ely Reception' (the destination of 6J24) which often has a tamper or other on-track plant parked in it during the day. There's another Norwich - Ely 6J24 working in RTT this evening running via Thetford instead.

 

[Clovelly]

Thanks again FGW_DID. Didn't know that. Surprising what information is accessible if you know where to look for it!

ac6000cw-thanks. Maybe positioning for a busy Christmas supporting engineering works.

 

[Ploughman]

Would it be the HOBC with spoil Handling and ballast systems?
That is known as the longest train in the UK.