Transnet Freight Rail's 861km Sishen - Saldanha operation runs the longest regular bulk-freight trains in the world. With 342 type CR iron-ore wagons and 8 Radio Controlled Distributed Power locomotives, trains are just under 4km long.
Here we see 15E 15009 departing Salkor with empties bound for Sishen. Two Class 34 diesels assist in providing head-end power. A further 15E and a Class 34 is cut into the train at 114 wagons and another 34 and a 9E electric unit at 228 wagons. A single 9E at the end provides braking to keep the consist stretched out on downgrades. It took more than five minutes for the entire train to pass by.
Operating speed is 80km/h
The worst of railroad design. Please, send me your entries / suggestions for the "Album of the ugly trains of the world" (past or present, paint scheme or shape).
