Tonnage Rating of Locomotives

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

To all,
 
Would someone please explain the Tonnage Ratings of Locomotives found in  the 
Employee Time Tables.  This request is related to my earlier posting  
concerning the Tonnage Rating on the Durham District and locomotive limitations  that 
are implied.
 
In the Norfolk Div. #9 ETT, effective March 9, 1919, the Tonnage Rating of  
Locomotives listed for the Durham District Southward from Lynchburg to Naruna 
is  620 for Class T, 520 for Class G, and 470 for Class F.  From Naruna to  
Durham the ratings change to 720 for Class T, 620 for Class G, and 570 for Class  
570.
 
Class G and F locomotives are listed at higher ratings for other areas in  
the Division.  Class T isn't even listed anywhere else for the  Division.  
Classes Z-1, M-2 SH, M-2, M and W are listed, just not for  Durham.
 
I am guessing that 1) the Durham District's track, bridges, and other  
structures couldn't support the larger, heavier and more powerful locomotives,  and 
2) the business for the Durham District didn't require the 1st class  power.
 
But what numbers does the Tonnage rating refer?  Also, what about  passenger 
locomotives such as Class V?  Would it be assumed anything  smaller than a T, 
G, or F would have been allowed?
 
Thanks, 
 
Chuck Stewart
Bahama
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