The Freight Writer: EN 15877-1 Wagon Markings

Introduction to EN 15877-1

A freight wagon is a silent container that travels across borders, handled by shunters who may not speak the same language. To ensure safety, the wagon must carry its own instruction manual painted directly onto its side. EN 15877-1, titled “Railway applications – Marking on railway vehicles – Part 1: Freight wagons,” is the standard that standardizes this visual language.

While Part 2 covers locomotives and passenger cars, Part 1 is exclusively dedicated to the complex world of cargo. It dictates exactly how to display the Load Limit Grid (which tells the operator how much weight can be loaded based on the track quality) and the critical safety codes for tank wagons carrying hazardous chemicals.

Snippet Definition: What is EN 15877-1?

EN 15877-1 is the European standard specifying the informational markings required on the exterior of freight wagons. It defines the layout, font, and dimensions for the European Vehicle Number (EVN), the Load Limit Grid (payload capacity per line category), tank wagon codes, shunting restrictions (e.g., “No Hump Shunting”), and specific markings for intermodal transport and ferry operations.

The Core Feature: The Load Limit Grid

The most distinctive marking on a freight wagon is the “Raster” or Load Table. EN 15877-1 strictly defines this matrix, which cross-references the track’s strength with the allowed speed.

How to read it:

• Columns (A, B, C, D): Represent the Line Category (permitted axle load of the track). ‘A’ is a weak track (16t/axle), ‘D’ is a strong track (22.5t/axle).
• Rows (S, SS, 120): Represent the maximum speed. ‘S’ usually means 100 km/h. As speed increases, the allowed weight often decreases to reduce dynamic forces.
• The Value: The number in the box is the maximum Payload Weight (in tonnes) the wagon can carry under those specific conditions.

Tank Wagon Specifics

For wagons carrying liquids or gases, EN 15877-1 adds layers of safety markings:

• Tank Code: A 4-character code (e.g., L4BH) indicating the tank type, design pressure, and venting style.
• Orange Band: A continuous orange stripe painted around the tank indicates it carries liquefied gases (e.g., LPG, Chlorine).
• Date of Next Test: Markings indicating when the tank and its valves must be pressure-tested (P) or visually inspected (L).

Operational Warnings

The standard includes a library of pictograms for shunters:

• Hump Shunting Prohibition: A red triangle with a wagon on a hill crossed out. This means the wagon (or its fragile cargo) cannot withstand the impact of gravity shunting.
• Curve Radius: If a wagon is exceptionally long, it will be marked with the minimum curve radius it can negotiate (e.g., “Min R 75m”) to prevent it from getting stuck in tight industrial sidings.
• Electric Danger: High-voltage warnings on ladders that reach near the catenary.

Comparison: EN 15877-1 vs. RID

Who decides the labels on a chemical wagon?