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[quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by trnj How does an engine's tractive effort translate into number of freight cars it can pull? Is there a formula? [/quote] This is a short answer that I hope it will help, but there is a lot of testing and evaluation to setting the tonnage rating on an engine for each railroad. This is done by the individual railroads since each company has different percentage grades and they have rules for all of their divisions. Tractive effort translate into how large or long a train the engine will start moving but the Horsepower rating is how fast or how well it can keep tonnage moving up grade or how fast on the level. Railroads used some sort of formula for steam from testing on new power on the grades involved. The tonnage ratings on an engine is still used by railroads and this is important for any major grade or pass when the engines are working at near their maximum performance on tonnage.
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