Re: Australian National loco number check letters.

David Bromage (dbromage@metz.une.edu.au)
31 Jan 1998 14:55:49 GMT

Steve Asher (xaragmata@picknowl.com.au) wrote:
>Does anyone happen to know the reason for the check letters which
>Australian National added to its locomotive numbers a few years ago?
>(I assume it is part of a computerised management system, but do
>they have any other function, such as trackside detection)
>
>Examples are for the EL Class..
>
>EL 51-J, EL 52-S, EL 53-E, EL 54-N, EL 55-W, EL 56-X, EL 57-R etc..
>
>The check letters do not bear any obvious relation to the loco
>numbers that I can see. Are they random, or is there a formula
>for deciding a particular letter?

There is a formula for deciding them. It's to that codes are entered
correctly into a computer. It's mainly for checking on long codes, but was
applied to all vehicles. Other systems also use check letters, but not
always accross the board. For example V/Line put check letters on some
freight wagons but not on locomotives or passenger cars.

There is a calculator at http://www.cia.com.au/trainman/check.htm

Cheers
David