5.1 Next meeting

The date of the 5th meeting was not yet determined.

5.2 Italian Proposal for Annex 5 (TFAC 04-09)

Mr Pagliarani explained the background and the Italian proposal on Annex 5. It was agreed to upload the document to the TFAC website and to ask for comments on it by the members of TFAC.

For information, the comments of Italy on the draft EU-Regulation RVFSR are given in TFAC 04-10.

5.3 Discussion static versus dynamic testing

With a presentation (TFAC 04-08) Mr Westphäling explained the reasons why according to his opinion a static testing of coupling devices should not be permitted.

Mr Rehm and Mr Pagliarani expressed the opinion that a static testing should be permitted for the “CUNA-Couplings” and the drawbar up to 40 km/h max. speed as these devices are tested statically for decades in Europe and no failures or accidents are known so far.

Mr Gunneriusson supported the opinion of Mr Westphäling.

After a detailed discussion, the majority of the participant could accept the position of Mr Rehm and Mr Pagliarani. It was decided that the IWG R 55 should discuss this topic during one of their next meetings.

At the end of the meeting, Mr Rehm thanked Mr Pagliarani again for hosting the meeting and providing meeting location for the 4th meeting of TFAC. Mr Rehm closed the meeting at approx. 13:00 hrs.