Byron Software and Services

Derailment of locomotive E110

Extract from Neil Thompson's
I.Mech.E Professional Review Report
(section B1.1.8)

The Locomotive pulling freight at 40kph collided at a crossing with a loaded 20 Tonne truck. It was suggested by a senior TRA engineer that the unmodified cowcatcher had dropped on impact which caused derailment. Investigation assisted by myself concluded that a more probable cause was rail spread when the truck was squeezed between locomotive and overhead mid-anchor stancheon. This unfortunate incident was a severe test of the mechanical parts including the new cross-stretcher modification, and contributed to convincing TRA of the locomotives robust construction.