New random trains generation according to UIC code 421

This paper illustrates a new method to generate random trainsets, compliant with UIC CODE 421, which is the common standard followed by Railway Undertakings in Europe for international freight traffic. Random generation of trains is an important topic for risk assessment of new train composition, which is of particular interest in this period in Europe. In fact, there are several studies on new types of trains with distributed traction/braking that require a statistical assessment of Longitudinal Train Dynamics (LTD). Results reported in this paper show that the new method represents more accurately the target payload distribution of real wagons, with respect to the standard method currently proposed by the UIC CODE 421. The new algorithm is suitable for the revision of UIC CODE 421, as a novel way to generate random trains.