Reducing wagon costs to enable greater freight volumes to be hauled by rail across Europe

Axiom Rail, one of the UK's largest dedicated rolling stock support companies, has launched a new innovative freight suspension system. The TF25E has been designed to be used across European rail networks in order to reduce the operational and maintenance costs of rail freight.

With the European Commission facilitating an increase in rail's portion of the total freight transportation market from 8% to 15% by 2020, this growth will be facilitated through the customer benefits of the TF25E.

The TF25E aims to be the rail freight suspension system of choice for services operating across European rail networks, and has been developed to meet the key requirements of customers - reduce costs, improve payloads and lower the environmental impact of services.

In developing a European wide rail freight suspension system, Axiom Rail has undertaken extensive research in order to create a product that meets these specific needs. The TF25E delivers on all of these requirements.

The TF25E was unveiled today to customers at the International Trade Fair for Transport Technology (InnoTrans) in Berlin, Germany. Interest in the new product is high, and a major marketing programme is being rolled across Europe by Axiom Rail representatives.

Designed to TSI technical requirements, the TF25E will allow rail freight customers to increase payloads, enjoy reduced maintenance costs and allow goods to be transported at high speeds. For European countries where track access charging exists, the TF25E will enable users to benefit from lower charges due to the suspension systems' track friendliness. Rail freight has strong environmental credentials, and the TF25E enhances these further by reducing operational noise.

Paul Mckeown, Managing Director for Axiom Rail, said: "All users of rail freight across Europe face the same issues. Having a wagon that provides the greatest efficiency for haulage, but with reduced costs and minimal impact on the environment, that can be used across Europe on open access networks. Axiom Rail took all these factors into consideration to research and develop the TF25E. We now have a product that allows users to reduce the costs of freight operations and in doing so enable greater volumes to be won to rail across Europe in line with the achievable aspirations of the European Commission."

The TF25E has the following advantages:

• Low track forces resulting in low bogie wear and lower maintenance requirements
• Track friendly - enabling track access charge discounts where applicable
• Freight friendly - low vertical acceleration
• Low noise
• High speed of up to 120 kilometres per hour
• Relatively light at 5.1 tonnes with a clasp brake system
• High axle loads of up to 25.5 tonnes which anticipates future axle load allowances
  

The TF25E is a unique design and is protected by Global patent rights.

Notes to Editors:

For further information, please contact Graham Meiklejohn, Axiom Rail Media and Public Affairs Manager, on 0870 140 5795 or graham.meiklejohn@ews-railway.co.uk

Picture - a picture of the TF25E is available on request.

Axiom Rail is a trading brand and name, owned by EWS Railway Holdings Ltd.

Axiom Rail provide services for its customers under four sectors:

• Maintenance - Axiom Rail offers maintenance and service support to customers who operate rolling stock for passenger and freight operations. All maintenance activities can be facilitated including inspection, stabling, refuelling, cleaning and CET emptying.
  
• Refurbishment - Axiom Rail provides renovation, overhaul, modification, repair, and livery services for rolling stock and major components. The company has a strong record of achievement in overhauling diesel and electric locomotives for freight and passenger operations, alongside refurbishment and bespoke solutions for passenger coaching stock.
  
• Leasing solutions - Axiom Rail offers a range of locomotives for leasing. All locomotives have a proven history in operating under the most demanding of requirements, and can be provided in the customer's livery. Vehicles are leased on both short and long term contracts to suit the customer's needs. Maintenance support is on hand and this has proved to be very effective throughout Europe, resulting in excellent levels of reliability and availability.
  
• Suspension Systems - Axiom Rail is a supplier of innovative, adaptable rail freight bogies and suspension systems that operate throughout the UK and Nordic regions, and make rail freight more efficient, economical, safe and enhance its environmental credentials. The Axiom Rail product range includes the TF25, LTF13 and AMIII bogies, as well as the TS25SA and Unitruck single axle suspensions. The suspension systems are able to meet axle loads of up to 30 tonnes and speeds of up to 160 kph. A full after sales service is provided, including the supply of spares, maintenance and technical support.