Shunting Score

The shunting score serves to provide a rough look at how suitable the vehicle is to perform shunting and general yard operations.

Visibility – This score is based on how good the all-around visibility is for the driver when at the controls, especially when it comes to contact with other vehicles and changing switches.

Responsiveness – This score is based on how responsive the vehicle is to the driver’s intended action. The score doesn’t only take into account the machine’s internal operating delays, but also the time it takes for the driver to perform a set of operations, when about to accelerate or change direction of movement, for example.

Shunt Acceleration – This score is based on the time it takes for the vehicle to safely accelerate from standstill to a yard cruising speed, while hauling its rated load. The score is affected by factors other than raw power, such as adhesion quality and heat management.

Acceleration Driving Ease – This score is based on how easy it is to operate the vehicle during acceleration from standstill to a yard cruising speed, while hauling its rated load, in terms of physical and mental involvement for the driver.

Solo Braking – This score is based on how well the vehicle brakes when it’s operating on its own, without load. It is affected by factors other than braking power, such as brake responsiveness and adhesion quality.

Compressor Strength – This score is based on how powerful the vehicle’s air compressor is, dictating the time spent waiting for the train pipe to fill up.

Compactness – This score is based on how small the vehicle is, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and turntables.

Outside Access – This score is based on how easy it is to hop on and off the vehicle, especially during coupling operations, servicing, etc. Presence of running boards and their accessibility affects the score too.

See also: Shunting, Braking, Compressor, Turntable, Coupling, Servicing