Gradients

The ruling gradient on a route will have a direct effect on the power to weight ratio necessary to operate a train effectively and efficiently. Gradients on the main line network may reach as steep as 1 in 37, and in such cases additional locomotives may be required on occasions to assist heavy freight trains or any type of train operating with a reduction in available traction power supply.

The impact of gradients on the maximum permissible load of trains is calculated, taking account also of the capability of the traction, as part of the train planning process.

Gradient information is published in the form of a map which is available to railway industry parties as supplementary information within the National Electronic Sectional Appendix, accessed via the link provided. The map provides an indication of where the most severe gradients on the network are encountered.

More information

More general information about network capability is provided in our Network Statement (Section 3), also published on this web-site.