Timing Loads

Freight trains and loco-hauled passenger trains often have a timing load assigned in the working timetable, of the form Dxxxx or Exxxx, showing the type of locomotive (Diesel or Electric) and the trailing load in tons. The timing load is used to indicate the expected performance for a train (heavier trains accelerating more slowly) - however, this can vary significantly depending on the locomotive, especially for heritage timetables where a wide variety of locomotives were available. This page contains a collection of information about timing loads and their use.

1975 London Midland Region

The following data are compiled from a London Midland Region section CR Working Timetable, dated 1975-10-06, and the London Midland Region Sectional Appendix for the Southern Section, dated February 1975. Loads are expressed in Tonnes. Certain trains have specific timing loads for the actual locomotive booked.

Coaching Stock weights

Where not otherwise specified, the following weights should be assumed:

Vehicle	Weight
Horsebox or SPV	10 tons
CCT, PMW or BZ	18 tons
Bogie parcels vehicles	32 tons
Passenger carriages	34 tons
Dining or Sleeping cars	42 tons

Maximum Loads

One standard carriage length (SCL) is 60 feet (20 yards). Three standard wagon lengths (SWL) is one standard carriage length.

Type of Train	Maximum Load (Tons)	Max. Length (SWLs)	Max. Length (SCLs)
Passenger	600	-	17
ECS	700	-	20
Parcels	700	50	17
Empty Van Trains	700	60	20

The lengths of parcels vehicles are as follows:

CCT, PMV or BZ - 2 standard wagon lengths
B, BG, GUV, or SYPHON G - 3 standard wagon lengths
6 SPV - 7 standard wagon lengths

Parcels and ECS, Diesel Locomotives

Based on the use of Class 47 or Class 50 locomotives. Applies Camden to Coppenhall Jn, Crewe and Chester to Craven Arms, Rugby to Stafford via Birmingham, and Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton.

Class	D445	D520	D600	D700	Notes
20	155	185	215	260	Max. 75mph
24	195	225	265	315	Max. 75mph
25	210	240	285	335
27	210	240	285	335
31	230	265	310	370
33	265	305	355	420
35	305	355	405	480
37	280	330	385	460
40	315	370	435	515
42	380	435	500	590
44	405	475	550	650
45	460	540	620	700
46	460	540	620	700
47	455	520	600	700
50	455	520	600	700	With Electric Train Heat in operation
50	570	660	700	700	Without Electric Train Heat in operation
52	480	560	645	700

Freightliner and other Class 4 Services, Diesel Locomotives

Based on the use of Class 47 or Class 50 locomotives.

Class	D860	D1070
25	380	485
31	465	590
37	545	690
40	610	775
45	860	1070
46	860	1070
47	860	1070
50	860	1070
2x25	750	970
2x31	860	1070
2x37	860	1070
2x40	860	1070

Class 6 Freight Services, Diesel Locomotives

These are based on the use of Class 47 locomotives. A conversion table is not given.

Parcels and ECS, Electric Locomotives

Based on the use of Class 87 or 86/1 locomotives. Applies Euston to Crewe, Rugby to Stafford via Birmingham, and Stetchford Jn to Bushbury Jn via Bescot. Further load restrictions for certain classes of locomotive may be specified in the timetable.

Class	E455	E600	E700	Notes
81-85	315	600	700
86/0	-	600	700	Limited to 80mph, except when specially authorised
86/2	455	600	700
87 & 86/1	455	600	700

Freightliner and other Class 4 Services, Electric Locomotives

Based on the use of Class 87 or 86/1 locomotives. Further load restrictions for certain classes of locomotive may be specified in the timetable.

Camden to Crewe

Class	E760	E1070
81 to 86/0	760	1070
86/2	760	760
87 & 86/1	760	1070

Class 6 Freight Services, Electric Locomotives

These are based on the use of Class 81 to 86/0 locomotives. A conversion table is not given.

MGR Trains

Loadings are expressed in the maximum number of wagons to be conveyed, e.g. 24W for 24 wagons.

DMUs

D1

D1 - Trains composed of the following formations:

D1(T) - Trains composed of the following formations but authorised to convey tail traffic:

Motor Coach	Trailer	Total No. of Vehicles
1	1	2
2	2	4
3	2	5
3	3	6
4	3	7
4	4	8
5	3	8
5	4	9
5	5	10
6	4	10
6	5	11
6	6	12

also Diesel Parcels Trains.

D2

D2 - Trains composed of the following formations:

Motor Coach	Trailer	Total No. of Vehicles
2	1	3
3	1	4
4	1	5
4	2	6
5	1	6
5	2	7
6	1	7
6	2	8
6	3	9

D3

D3 - Trains composed of the following formations:

Motor Coach	Trailer	Total No. of Vehicles
1	-	1
2	-	2
3	-	3
4	-	4
5	-	5
6	-	6

D4

D4 - High Density Suburban Trains composed of the following formations:

Motor Coach	Trailer	Total No. of Vehicles
2	2	4
4	4	8

A diesel parcels van, powered by 2x230 h.p. engines may be coupled to a 4-car high density diesel unit and the train so formed will run in D4 timings.

D5

D5 - Trans-Pennine sets composed of:

Motor Coach	Trailer	Total No. of Vehicles
4	2	2

Last edited by GeoffM on 15/09/2016 at 03:01