Russia’s RM Rail initiates assembling of a new model aluminium hopper car

The integrated manufacturer of freight rolling stock in Russia, RM Rail, also a member of the Russian Aluminium Association has initiated assembling an aluminium alloy mineral hopper model 19-1299.

The aluminium hopper car is designed for the transportation of various cargoes, comprising mineral fertilizers. It can also be used for grain and other bulk cargoes. However, the design provides for the use of an innovative 25 TNF axle load bogie.

This hopper has half a ton lower tare weight and increased carrying capacity (79 tons), in comparison to the previous generation model.  The body volume is 111 cubic meters. It was successfully achieved by applying a new aluminium alloy 1581 alloyed with scandium.

The Russian material scientist whose proprietary design is Alloy 1581 was inspired by space. This was during the exploration of outer space in Russia that scandium-containing Al alloys were first used.

The alloy features high strength and weldability and its properties ensured the creation of a strong and lightweight structure using modern friction stir welding technology due to optimal scandium content, whereas, the cost of semi-finished products does not differ much from that of conventional aluminium alloy products.

The aluminium hopper will be put in operation following the completion of certification testing and this will happen in 2022.

Andrey Garkavenko, the Head of Railway Transport and Infrastructure at the Russian Aluminium Association said, “The creation of freight and passenger cars with enhanced characteristics is possible through the development of new aluminium alloys and R&D. There are three ongoing projects: mineral hopper, tank car and tank container. Soon we expect the paradigm shift in the Russian railway market that will lead to achieving a balance in car fleet and accelerated replacement of outmoded rolling stock with innovative cars using newest aluminium alloys.”