Types of train wagons: What are the main ones

Like any other sector, the railway wagon area has also undergone several transformations since its implementation in Brazil, almost 170 years ago. This is noticeable, mainly, by the increase of available models. Nowadays, there are several types of train cars, each of which is geared to a specific transport demand. 

On the other hand, this level of wagon differentiation can also be bad in a long-term analysis. This is because, if there is no need to use the wagon for a certain period, it ends up showing more damage than benefit, since the investment made will be parked.

Therefore, it is necessary to deeply study which wagon best fits the needs of the company in a small, medium and long term. Given this scenario, do you want to know what are the main types of train cars that exist? Read on and also understand a little more about the history of railways in Brazil and the current scenario of the development of the Brazilian rail network. 

Railways in Brazil

Created to be an alternative for cargo transportation, the first Brazilian railways were concentrated, basically, in the south and southeast regions of the country. A landmark of this moment is the creation of the first railway in 1854, the so-called Estrada de Ferro de Mauá, which was 16 km long, connecting the cities of Rio de Janeiro of Mauá and Fragoso.

With the great expansion of railway networks, the period from 1870 to 1920 became known as the “Era of Railways”, reaching the mark of 30 thousand kilometers of railroads. Despite this, from the 1950s onwards, this modal medium was preferred over others, such as the road, with the abandonment of several lines. 

But, this scenario seems to start to change in recent years. Check out the next topic. 

Current development

The beginning of the new millennium also marked a kind of revival of the railway network in Brazil, largely due to the concession of services to the private sector. The movement of cargo through the rails increased a lot, reaching the transportation mark of 407 billion of UKT (Useful Kilometer Ton) per year.

Returning attention to this mode of transport again makes perfect sense for a country of continental proportions, like Brazil, as the use of trains, locomotives and the like becomes more advantageous on a large scale. 

Types of train wagons 

With the increase in the use of trains, the number of wagons increases, but what are the main types of train wagons that exist? The wagons have different models and characteristics and those that will be presented from now on are related to the usual models in Brazil, and may undergo some changes depending on the country. 

Railway car

One of the first developed, and perhaps the most famous model of a train car, is the railway car, which was designed for the transportation of passengers. A characteristic that defines this wagon model is the fact that it has traction, requiring the presence of another vehicle with its own traction to carry out the transportation.

In addition, this type of train car can be customized in different ways, aiming to meet any need. Thus, a railway car can become a sleeping car, restaurant car, administrative car or a bathroom car, for example. These wagons can also be used to divide the hiring categories, from high luxury to ordinary. 

Platform

When we associate the types of train cars that exist and the issue of operational flexibility, the first model that is remembered is the so-called platform or board. This is because this type of wagon has the possibility of loading and unloading the equipment from various locations.

With the aim to transport perishable cargo, a specific model was developed for this type of service. Refrigerated wagons have a cooling system that is used both to freeze products and also to preserve them.

Closed

The name of this car already indicates its main characteristic. The closed wagons offer complete protection for the cargo being transported and can be used to load different goods. 

Hopper

A fourth existing wagon model is called a Hooper. This wagon is characterized by having a differentiated discharge system from the majority. Thus, its structure consists of a large funnel in which there are lower openings for the discharge.

Gondola

The gondola wagon has its use linked to the transport of loads that do not need protection against bad weather. Because of this, in Brazil, this has become the most popular model due to the transport of ore, which occurs on a large scale in Brazil. 

Fridge

With a view to transporting perishable cargo, a specific model was developed for this type of service. Refrigerated wagons have a cooling system that is used both to freeze products and also to preserve them.  

Tank

The transport of liquid bulk through the railway network is done by means of tank wagons. In these cases, the wagons are developed to have a cylindrical structure similar to the truck trailers that also transport liquids, which can be corrosive liquids or not.

Special

As the name itself makes explicit, special wagons are those that have non-standard formats and uses, and are normally used to solve a very specific demand from a company with regard to loading and unloading processes.

Cage

Last but not least in our list of train wagon types is the cage wagon. This model is designed to transport live animals, since it has openings on its sides to allow air circulation. In such cases, both loading and unloading are carried out from the side. 

Conclusion

As you can see throughout the article, there are different types of train cars, each having its own specification. So, understand the real business need before opting for any of them. In any case, count on the railway scales from Massa Weighing and Industrial Automation to help you. Click here and know more.