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[quote user="futuremodal"][quote user="nbrodar"] Here's an update on handling TOW equipment...TOWs must not operate with other freight cars, except intermodal.  When handled in intermodal trains, the TOW equipment must be on the rear, and the total train tonnage may not exceed 5000 tons. You cannot shove against TOWs (as in helper service).  Which I take to mean you can't use DPUs.  However, we don't use DPUs so I don't have any rules governing thier use and can't be absolutely sure. Your not suppose to make reverse movements with TOWs at all, unless absolutely necessary.  If you must shove TOW equipment, you may only have one unit online, and make the move at no more then 10 MPH.Nick[/quote]I take it then that TOW rules were developed specifically for the RoadRailer technology, and have been subsequently applied to the superior RailRunner technology as well, even though the RailRunner system has operational advantages that would seemingly allow for reverse moves, distributed power, et al.If you recall, RoadRailers are assembled in "elephant-style" configuration - the front of a RoadRailer trailer is connected to the rear of the preceding trailer, which itself is resting on top of the bogie.  That in and of itself is probably why push moves might dislodge the rear of the trailer from the bogie.RailRunners are directly connected to the bogie front and back - there is no contact with the other trailers/chassis.  This double bayonette configuration of the bogie allows for bi-directional moves.I had an old RailRunner VHS tape that showed the product being tested at Pueblo, and I seem to remember a mention of this buff/draft strength and flexibility.  I wonder if RailRunner tried to get an exemption from the current antiquated rules for TOW's and was turned down?[/quote]They can exempt all they want to. But the bottom fact is that trailers will fail. All you got is a aluminum skeleton much like open grid benchwork, two load rails, trailer wheel and frame assembly and planks all the way to the 5th wheel king pin plate. That plate is the strongest item on the entire rig. Everything else will fail if you applied the pressures found in regular trains to it.If you installed a DF underframe to it to make it work, the weight gain will make it so obese that it's no good for hauling cargo anymore; all you can put in there is toilet paper or pre-made popcorn in boxes.The walls are crappy, you can gut them with a good circular saw and the roof is nothing more than a thin sheet of something plastic to keep the rain off.maybe one of those fancy european coupler cars on 4 wheels with a 5th wheel on one end and a standard coupler on the other with a tandem well... you would have constant shortages of them similar to chassis.
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