A train loading system

A train loading system is disclosed for loading material onto cars of a train. The system comprises a surge bin arranged to receive material and supply material to cars of a train that travels relative to the surge bin, flow of material from the surge bin being controllable to prevent or permit flow of material from the surge bin and thereby control the volume of material loaded into a car of the train. The system also comprises at least one freeboard measuring device arranged to produce at least one measured freeboard value indicative of a front and/or rear freeboard of a car. The system is arranged to determine a car mass error value representing an error between a car mass value indicative of a mass of material in a car and a defined car mass set point, and to use the car mass error value to produce at least one freeboard set point indicative of desired front and rear freeboard values. The system is also arranged to determine at least one freeboard error value indicative of an error between a measured freeboard value and a freeboard set point and to control timing of flow of material from the surge bin based on the freeboard error value so as to control the mass and volume of material loaded into the car.