Recommendation Date
Recipient Name
NZ Rail
Text
Review passenger service timetables to ensure the elapse times take into account, the speeds necessary for Locomotive Engineers to arrive at crew changeover positions on time.
Reply Text
Train schedules are prepared in accordance with NZRL Operating Code, section 7 clause 6.8. As noted in this report, the working timetable was reasonable as far as total time allowed for Train 404 to travel from Morrinsville to Hamilton. The location and time of the "change over point" can be flexible depending on operational constraints on the day. NZRL currently reviews train schedules on a regular basis by reference to the actual control graphs.
Section 7, Clause 6.8 stated (in part)
6.8.1 Basic Running Time
A basic running time refers to a specific section of track, locomotive, train weight and train type. For any given set of conditions, the basis running time may be defined as the least time the specified weight of train could run through the particular section of track, the speed being kept at tall times as close of possible to the authorised speeds, up to the performance capacity of the locomotive.
6.8.1.1 These are based on:
• Normal operating conditions.
• Normal condition of locomotives and rolling stock, e.g. for locomotive performance and train resistance.
• Authorised speeds as defined in the Working Timetable for the locomotive and train concerned, including permanent speed restrictions.
• Curve speeds as authorised by General Manager, Engineering in consultation with General Manager, Network Operations.
6.8.1.2 A basic running time does not include any allowance for:
• Starting and stopping at the beginning and end of the specified sections.
• Temporary speed restrictions or deceleration and acceleration in connection therewith.
• Standing time at intermediate stops for crossings, crew changes etc.
• Abnormal weather.
• Condition of locomotive or rolling stock.
• Contingencies or make-up time.
It must be emphasised that the basic running time is not necessarily the least time a train of specified type and locomotive can run through the section without exceeding authorised speeds. Where the basic running time is mainly governed by locomotive performances as on long undulating grades, trains of less than the scheduled load can run through the section on less time that the BRT for schedules load trains, without exceeding the authorised speeds. An extreme example would be a light locomotive on a long undulating section. The term "minimum running time" is deemed to mean the shortest possible time that the minimum train could traverse the section concerned without exceeding the authorised speeds.
Section 7, Clause 6.8 stated (in part)
6.8.1 Basic Running Time
A basic running time refers to a specific section of track, locomotive, train weight and train type. For any given set of conditions, the basis running time may be defined as the least time the specified weight of train could run through the particular section of track, the speed being kept at tall times as close of possible to the authorised speeds, up to the performance capacity of the locomotive.
6.8.1.1 These are based on:
• Normal operating conditions.
• Normal condition of locomotives and rolling stock, e.g. for locomotive performance and train resistance.
• Authorised speeds as defined in the Working Timetable for the locomotive and train concerned, including permanent speed restrictions.
• Curve speeds as authorised by General Manager, Engineering in consultation with General Manager, Network Operations.
6.8.1.2 A basic running time does not include any allowance for:
• Starting and stopping at the beginning and end of the specified sections.
• Temporary speed restrictions or deceleration and acceleration in connection therewith.
• Standing time at intermediate stops for crossings, crew changes etc.
• Abnormal weather.
• Condition of locomotive or rolling stock.
• Contingencies or make-up time.
It must be emphasised that the basic running time is not necessarily the least time a train of specified type and locomotive can run through the section without exceeding authorised speeds. Where the basic running time is mainly governed by locomotive performances as on long undulating grades, trains of less than the scheduled load can run through the section on less time that the BRT for schedules load trains, without exceeding the authorised speeds. An extreme example would be a light locomotive on a long undulating section. The term "minimum running time" is deemed to mean the shortest possible time that the minimum train could traverse the section concerned without exceeding the authorised speeds.
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