THE TRAINLOAD 'BUFFER' WAGON SYSTEM can be supplied for trains up to 2000 tonnes.

The system comprises an endless wire rope passing around pulleys with the two ends of the rope fastened by patent rope clips to the buffer wagon, which couples to the train. The rope is driven by a winch by means of three laps around a smooth surge wheel. The buffer wagon runs on the main rails and attaches to the coupling gear of the end wagon.

As most trains are moved by this method for either loading or unloading purposes, stopping accuracy is of importance. For this reason we employ a pre-tensioned rope system by means of jacks attached to one of the pulleys. This ensures that the trailing rope in either direction of travel is always tensioned, avoiding the excessive run-on which is experienced with other systems.

The use of jacks also includes either spring or hydraulic dampers, which ensure smooth non-slip operation on the surge wheel, and contribute to rope life by eliminating shock loads.

The Buffer system can only be employed on buffer ended track, or with a spur siding layout. This is basically a solid block of concrete (or other ballast) in a steel frame on four running wheels which travels on the main rails. It can be fitted with an ordinary draw hook or with a Trainload automatic coupling which attach and detach automatically from the train. For centrally mounted knuckle type coupling/buffers that engage automatically, we have designed an automatic device that uncouples on completion.