Vehicle Route Availability
Route availability for a vehicle (locomotive or wagon) is generally based upon its axle loading. That is, how much of the laden weight of the vehicle is distributed on each axle. The more weight on each axle, the higher the RA number, and the more restricted the vehicle is. The uneven weight distribution of the class 28 Co-Bo forced the use of 6 wheel bogie at one end in order to stay within RA 8. For wagons it is normal to have different RA when running empty to full.
A locomotive with RA 1 is able to work on any line, although it will have a very light axle loading (which will limit its capabilities, for example class 01 shunters are RA 1). An RA 10 locomotive could only work upon an RA 10 line, placing restrictions on where it can be used.
The RA of a locomotive must not exceed the RA of the track except under strictly controlled circumstances.
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