Special test runs
These are one-off runs, sometimes specifically to set records.
Bulk (ore, coal etc)
Australia BHP run on 21 June 2011, comprising 682 wagons and hauled by eight 6000 hp General Electric GE AC6000CW diesel-electric locomotives controlled by a single driver with a total length of 7.352 km (4.57 mi) on the 275 km (170.88 mi) iron ore railway to Port Hedland in Western Australia – total weight 99,734 tons on a 1,435 mm gauge line.[24]
China Datong–Qinhuangdao railway, China. On 2 April 2014, an experimental train ran with 320 wagons and six locos hauling a 31,500 ton load, with a total length of 3.971 km (2.467 mi).[25]
South Africa Sishen–Saldanha, South Africa. Run on 26–27 August 1989, comprising 660 wagons, 7.302 kilometres (4.537 mi) long and a total weight of 71,765 tons on a 1,067 mm gauge line. The train comprised 16 locomotives (9 Class 9E 50 kV AC electric and 7 Class 37 diesel-electric).[26][27]
Soviet Union Bulk coal train from Ekibastuz to the Urals, Soviet Union, 20 February 1986. The train consisted of 439 wagons and several diesel locomotives distributed along the train with a total mass of 43,400 tonnes and a total length of 6.5 kilometres (4.0 mi).[28]
United Kingdom A 1991 test train pulled by two British Rail Class 59 diesel locomotives, weighing 12,108 tonnes and approximately 1.65 km (1.03 mi) long, was pulled with moderate success from Merehead Quarry to Witham Friary.[29]
United States Norfolk and Western Railway unit coal train from Iaeger, West Virginia to Portsmouth, Ohio, 15 November 1967. The train consisted of 500 cars and six EMD SD45 diesel-electric locomotives distributed throughout the train for a total weight of 48,170 tons and total length of 6.5 kilometres (4.0 mi).[30]