Wagon Report
Compiled by Steven Fredrick Lappage
VTG Rail UK is carrying out a programme of modifications to its fleet of FWA/B‘Ecofret’tripleunit intermodal sets following a series of derailments. Changes include extended inter-wagon drawbars, strengthened Wabtec TF20 low track-force bogies and brakegear.
Problems can arise if the centre wagon of a triple set is unladen and subject to heavy braking. Essentially, the middle vehicle can be squeezed by the outer flats, especially if they are loaded, leading to the possibility of the bogies lifting and the wheelsets derailing. GBRf is the main user of triple sets.