United Wagon Company and Kastamonu, an European wood-processing company, signed a contract for the supply of 75 high-capacity flat cars for timber transport.
Under the agreement, two types of cars will be delivered, both having an increased payload capacity and loading volume.
The first batch of 30 model 13-6852-02 flat cars with loading volume of 122 m3 and length of 40 feet, has already been shipped to Kastamonu. These cars have a capacity of 74 tonnes and can carry an extra 5 m3 of wood with density of 0.8 t/m3 compared with standard timber platforms the most available on the market.
Over the next year, UWC will deliver a further 45 model 13-6895 platforms with loading volume of 155 m3 and length of 60 feet. This model increases load by 30-40% compared with standard cars thanks to increase of payload capacity to 72.5 tonnes and loading length
The models were developed by the All-Union Research and Development Centre for Transportation Technology and manufactured at TikhvinSpetsMash.
The bogie of the flat cars is designed for axle load of 25 tonnes. Longer intervals between overhauls (up to 1 million km, or 8 years) compared with earlier models reduce life-cycle cost of the flat cars by almost three times.
Both models are equipped with integral posts that are higher than those of standard models. Side posts have a rectangular cross-section, which significantly reduces unused dimensional volume when transporting packaged cargo and prevents damage to the cargo. Construction of the center sill and side sills enables convenient inspection and maintenance of the platforms. The floor is designed to prevent cargo residues falling onto the track and to make cleaning easier. Drainage holes prevent moisture accumulation.
“There is currently no alternative to rail transport for long-term and large-scale supply of raw materials. Kastamonu is increasing its production capacity year by year and acquisition of timber flat cars will reduce the risks associated with timber supply by rail. These specialized timber railcars are optimally suited to our needs. They enable us to substantially reduce time spent loading and unloading wood, and they minimize the risk of damage to the car during loading and unloading operations,” Ali Kiliç, CEO of Kastamonu in Russia said.
According to market experts, currently, there are about 20,000 specialized timber flat cars operating in Russia. About 1,000 of them will be written off in the next decade at the end of their service life.
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