Road/Rail Platform Trailer

The Chieftain Road Rail Platform Trailer brings together road transport capability and purpose-built rail running gear in a single versatile 6-metre platform trailer. Developed for rail contractors who need to move machinery, equipment, materials and ballast both to the worksite and along the railway, it provides a practical solution for operations spanning road and rail environments.

At the centre of the design is a 6-metre flat platform with a durable steel floor, providing a versatile working deck for a wide range of loads. Recessed lashing rings are integrated into both the side chimes and platform, providing multiple secure load-restraint positions while keeping the platform clear and usable.

The trailer incorporates separate running gear specifically engineered for each operating environment. For road transport, 10-stud commercial axles with 310 x 190 brakes and automatic slack adjusters are combined with parabolic spring suspension, adjustable torque arms and air/hydraulic braking. Full LED road lighting, mudguards, sideguards and a choice of 50mm or 57.5mm towing eye complete the road specification.

For rail operation, the trailer is equipped with 8-stud full-beam rail axles and four 550mm diameter P1-profile steel rail wheels. The rail gear is hydraulically raised and lowered using a dedicated control lever, allowing the trailer to be configured for rail operation when required. Dual-line rail air brakes provide both service and park braking, with parking-brake indicators positioned at both ends of the trailer.

A hydraulically height-adjustable drawbar further enhances the trailer's flexibility, helping accommodate the different operating positions required as the trailer moves between road and rail applications. A two-speed adjustable-height jacking leg provides additional support and practicality during coupling and positioning.

The trailer's electrical system has also been developed around rail operation, incorporating automatic directional LED lighting at the front and rear, an onboard battery and twin 12-volt solar panels. A dedicated control switch provides straightforward lighting operation, while the solar charging system helps maintain the onboard battery during extended use.

Where ballast or other bulk materials need to be transported, the Road Rail Platform Trailer can be specified with 600mm or 1000mm high ballast boxes, with optional platform-mounted twistlocks providing a secure and adaptable mounting arrangement. Removable posts can also be specified to increase versatility for different materials and load types.

Practical features are incorporated throughout the trailer, including a lockable stainless-steel toolbox with a rubber-sealed door, sideguards beneath the chimes and clearly positioned safety and operational transfers. Optional road-axle air suspension and alternative 650mm S1002-profile steel rail wheels allow the trailer to be further configured around individual operational requirements.

Built for continuous work in demanding transport and rail environments, the complete trailer is shot-blasted before being finished in a high-quality two-pack primer and paint system, providing a durable finish and long-term resistance against corrosion.

Approved to RIS 1530 for UK rail operations and I-PLM-5001 for Ireland, the Chieftain Road Rail Platform Trailer brings together commercial road running gear and dedicated hydraulic rail gear within one purpose-built platform. By combining road transport and rail capability in a single trailer, it provides contractors with a flexible solution for moving machinery, equipment, materials and ballast from the road network onto the railway and throughout the worksite.