UIC classification of locomotive axle arrangements

The UIC classification of locomotive axle arrangements, sometimes known as the German classification^[1] or German system,^[2]^[3] describes the wheel arrangement of locomotives, multiple units and trams. It is used in much of the world, notable exceptions being the United Kingdom, which uses a slightly simplified form of UIC (except for steam locomotives and small diesel shunters, where the Whyte notation is used), and in North America, where the AAR wheel arrangement system (essentially another simplification of the UIC system) is used to describe diesel and electric locomotives. In North America, the Whyte notation is only used for steam locomotives.

The classification system is managed by the International Union of Railways (UIC).^[4]

^ The Railway Data File. Leicester: Silverdale, 2000. p. 52. ISBN 1-85605-499-3.
^ Peck C.B., Locomotive cyclopedia of American practice, 1950–52, Association of American Railroads Mechanical Division, Simmons-Boardman Pub. Co., 1950, p. 449.
^ Kalla-Bishop P.M. & Greggio, Luciano, Steam Locomotives, Crescent, 1985, p. 226.
^ IRS 60650 Railway Application - Rolling Stock - Standard designation of axle arrangement on locomotives and multiple-unit sets. Paris, France: International union of railways. 2021. ISBN 9782746125209. Retrieved 23 October 2021.

[datafile-1] The Railway Data File. Leicester: Silverdale, 2000. p. 52. ISBN 1-85605-499-3.

[2] Peck C.B., Locomotive cyclopedia of American practice, 1950–52, Association of American Railroads Mechanical Division, Simmons-Boardman Pub. Co., 1950, p. 449.

[3] Kalla-Bishop P.M. & Greggio, Luciano, Steam Locomotives, Crescent, 1985, p. 226.

[UIC-4] IRS 60650 Railway Application - Rolling Stock - Standard designation of axle arrangement on locomotives and multiple-unit sets. Paris, France: International union of railways. 2021. ISBN 9782746125209. Retrieved 23 October 2021.

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