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DRS Class 37s ?

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SkinnyDave

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Can I ask why DRS use class 37s in their nuclear work instead of 66s?
Is it technical reasons or just that they don't currently have the stock?( until 68/88 are in full regular service)
 
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Boothby97

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Possibly because the nuclear workings require 2 locos, so its better to use 37s on them than 66s, as the 66s are better suited to Intermodal work.
 

TheJRB

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Plus if I'm not mistaken, a 37 or a 20 is lighter than a 66 which means that they're cleared to some places which 66s are not (take the Dungeness branch for example which needs special clearance for a 66).
 

alexl92

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Why do they require 2 locos for what is often just two flasks? Are these insanely heavy or is it so that if one fails then the other can continue? Also, why are they always double-headed rather than T&T?
 

CosherB

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Why do they require 2 locos for what is often just two flasks? Are these insanely heavy or is it so that if one fails then the other can continue? Also, why are they always double-headed rather than T&T?
would you like two flasks of nuclear material stuck outside your house with only one loco?

i would have thought that 37's (and 20's) were perfectly suited to this kind of work.
 

cjmillsnun

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Why do they require 2 locos for what is often just two flasks? Are these insanely heavy or is it so that if one fails then the other can continue? Also, why are they always double-headed rather than T&T?

Quite simple. Nuclear waste is very sensitive for 2 reasons.

1. It's a terrorist target that can be made into dirty bombs.

2. It cause protests. A second loco allows insurance to keep it on the move.
 

alexl92

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Quite simple. Nuclear waste is very sensitive for 2 reasons.

1. It's a terrorist target that can be made into dirty bombs.

2. It cause protests. A second loco allows insurance to keep it on the move.

Makes great sense. Cheers
 

richieb1971

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Each axel has a 20 ton limit on it on British railways. A single wagon with 2 axels cannot weigh (theoretically) more than 40 tons (loaded).

I doubt the waste weighs any more than other waste at the designated size of the flasks.
 

sprinterguy

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Each axel has a 20 ton limit on it on British railways. A single wagon with 2 axels cannot weigh (theoretically) more than 40 tons (loaded).
The maximum axle weight permitted is actually 25.4 tonnes per axle:

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/10551.aspx
The route availability number for a vehicle is principally determined from its gross weight divided by the number of axles, however axle spacing may also be a factor.

Examples of route availability capabilities are:
RA 3 = up to 16.5 tonnes per axle
RA 5 = up to 19.0 tonnes per axle
RA 8 = up to 22.8 tonnes per axle
RA 10 = up to 25.4 tonnes per axle (the current maximum for freight on the network)

High capacity coal hoppers and bogie tank wagons are up around this maximum figure when fully loaded.
 
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