A 696-wagon empty train, after a test run on South Africa’s iron ore export line, has provided technical data on train handling and operational performance.
The train, travelling from Saldanha towards the Northern Cape, reached Loop 18 on October 18, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) said in a statement.
TFR describes it as the longest train ever operated on the corridor and claims a world record for freight rail operations.
The run was part of a dynamic train evaluation programme led by TFR’s Train Design Technology and Operations teams working with Transnet Engineering, the Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager and the Railway Safety Regulator.
The train had 696 empty CR13/14 wagons hauled by a combination of Class 15E electric and Class 43D diesel-electric locomotives.
Radio Distributed Power technology enabled locomotives positioned throughout the train to operate as a synchronised unit, distributing traction and braking forces along its length. According to TFR, this helps manage the forces generated by trains of this scale and reduces stress on rolling stock and infrastructure.
“While setting a world record is a significant achievement, the real value lies in the technical knowledge and operational insights gained through this exercise,” said TFR Chief Executive Russell Baatjies.
“These learnings will contribute to the continued advancement of rail operations, support innovation and strengthen our freight rail capability into the future.”
Preparations included modelling and simulation to assess train dynamics, locomotive placement, route readiness, operating strategies, communication protocols and infrastructure requirements.
Specialist personnel accompanied the train to monitor its handling and operational behaviour. Locomotive data collected during the run will be compared with simulation results to validate performance models, TFR said.
