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Railhub Archive 1996-08-29 DoT-001 Department of Transport0
Watts launches prototype rail freight wagon
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 piggyback wagons
 railfreight
 Thrall Car
 
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       Watts launches prototype rail freight wagon _______________________________________________________________

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type Press release note 276/96
John Watts, the Minister for Railways and Roads, today unveiled a new prototype rail freight wagon which will be used to carry lorry trailers. This "piggyback" wagon has been developed by Thrall Car, a US company, and Babcock Facilities Management, a company based at Rosyth. During his visit to Rosyth Royal Dockyard in Scotland, to see the new wagon, Mr Watts said: "This is one of a number of exciting developments in the British rail freight industry. Babcock, Thrall, and the other members of the Piggyback Consortium, are to be congratulated for their enthusiasm in pursuing this innovative project which in time could help transform the freight industry. "We are currently considering widening the present restricted 44 tonne weight limit, and the inclusion of lorries used in piggyback operations is one option which will be put forward in the forthcoming consultation paper on lorry weights." The wagons are expected to enter commercial service, carrying lorry trailers between London and Glasgow, and eventually between Great Britain and the European mainland via the Channel Tunnel. Existing rail services between the UK and the continent are restricted to the movement of containers and swapbodies. Note to Editors 1. Piggyback is a common term used to describe the movement by rail of lorries, or lorry trailers on specially designed rail wagons. 2. The Piggyback Consortium includes about 40 private and public sector interests, its most significant members being Railtrack and Eurotunnel. 3. In 1994, the Government introduced a 44 tonne gross weight limit for six-axle lorries engaged in the movement of containers and swapbodies to and from railheads; lorries used in general purpose road haulage are subject to a gross weight limit of 38 tonnes. INTERNET ADDRESS FOR DOT PRESS NOTICES: http://www.coi.gov.uk/coi/depts/GDT/GDT.html
Railhub Archive ::: 1996-08-29 DoT-001
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