The dynamic behaviour of railway locomotives is governed by several standards in different parts of the world. Some standards allow the use of multi-body simulation tools (such as VAMPIRE, NUCARS, GENSYS and SIMPACK) in place of physical testing, but not for all locomotive tests within each standard. Virtual multi-body locomotive models can allow simple analyses, such as for slightly modified and relocated locomotives, to be completed with less time, cost and effort in comparison to physical type testing. Unfortunately the detailed locomotive model acceptance procedures required to achieve this do not presently exist. This paper discusses the methodology behind a proposed locomotive model acceptance procedure that is currently intended for Australian freight locomotives, although it can be modified to suit other countries and locomotive types. A review of relevant international standards was first undertaken to determine which tests to include and to draw from international best practice. A few case studies are then given to show how the proposed methodology can be implemented on a sample freight locomotive model.