THE USE OF BUFFERS IN RAIL VEHICLES

Few buffers function completely except in the case of wagons, because the impact force passes to the frames through the medium of the buffers, and the design of a buffer that will modify the stress transmitted satisfactorily is a constantly recurring problem. Several buffers are illustrated, including a buffer with compound springs to give a soft response, a collision-type buffer, a hinged buffer for the front end of a locomotive fitted with a cowcatcher, and an emergency drawbar for diesel-electric railcars. By using a combination of steel and rubber springs a relatively high shock capacity is obtainable with consequent advantages to passengers, or goods, and rolling stock. The position of the buffer and coupling unit at the centre of the headstocks assists greatly towards obtaining a small deflection which the frame structure as a unit would otherwise be called on to provide. The flexibility of the coupler on curves has been proved beyond question by the reduced wear of tires and axle journals of vehicle so fitted.

• Corporate Authors:

  Temple Press Limited

  161-166 Fleet Street
  Longon EC4,   England 
• Authors:
  • McArd, G W
• Publication Date: 1945-3-9

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 233-234
• Serial:
  • RAILWAY GAZETTE
  • Volume: 82

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Couplers; Dampers; Design; Diesel multiple unit cars; Locomotives; Railroad cars; Technology
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Design; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00037789
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 4 1994 12:00AM