IHHA Proudly Introduces It's First "Best Practice" Manual For Heavy Haul Railways
GUIDELINES TO BEST PRACTICE FOR HEAVY HAUL RAILWAY OPERATIONS (Wheel and Rail Issues).

The International Heavy Haul Association introduced their first "Best Practice" book at the IHHA 7th International Conference in Brisbane, Australia in June. It was well received as a significant contribution to heavy haul rail operations.

The goal of the IHHA in producing this manual was to provide a practical, state-of-the-art, best practice reference manual for the practicing railway engineer and operator. The Guidelines were prepared and edited by the Technical Review Committee appointed by the IHHA Board of Directors. This international team of knowledgeable and experienced railway professionals was composed of ;

Dr. William J. Harris, Chairman Emeritus IHHA, USA
Prof. Dr. Willem Ebersöhn, former Chair Railroad Engineering,
University of Pretoria, South Africa
Dr. James Lundgren, Assistant Vice President, Transportation
Technology Center, Inc. USA
Mr. Harry Tournay, Assistant General Manager of Spoornet, South Africa
Dr. Prof. Sergey Zakharov, Head of the Division of Tribology,
The All-Russian Railway Research Institute, Russia

The manual is divided into five sections for easy reading and reference. The first section is an introduction and discussion of how to apply the guidelines including examples of cost benefit analysis. This section includes a summary of the other four sections and a guide on using the manual. The second section is an excellent discussion of the vehicle and track interaction, including heavy haul vehicle suspensions and rail and wheel management. The third section covers wheel and rail performance, including contact mechanics, rail and wheel materials, lubrication and friction management, and rail/wheel damage modes. The forth section consists of case studies of successful heavy haul rail operations from around the world. Including dedicated lines, established mixed freight and start-up operations. This section contains valuable quick reference tables for the design of basic heavy haul rail systems. Using the design tables one can select the proper track structure ( including all track components) for the heavy haul service anticipated. The fifth section is a discussion and review on how to maintain the optimal wheel and rail performance in a heavy haul environment.

The book is 466 pages of concise "how-to" information and includes a CD with each copy. It is in my opinion, the most valuable reference source that is available today for the practicing heavy haul engineer and operations manager. In fact, if you don't agree that this Best Practice Guidelines is absolutely the most valuable addition to your technical reference library, send it back and I'll refund the purchase price.

The cost is 80 USD, plus postage, handling and insurance.

In 2003 the Best Practice Manual was translated and printed in russian. This edition is avaliable for 20USD, plus postage, handling, and insurance. It can be purchased by contacting the following:

Dr. Sergey M Zakharov
Cheif Researcher & Head of Tribology Department
All Russian Railway Research Institute (VNIIZhT)
3-d Mytishchinskaya St, 10
Moscow, Russia 129851