MULTI-PURPOSE TEST TRACK AIDS CZECH RESEARCH

At Sokolec near Velim, the Traffic Research Institute (VUD) of Prague has built an oval test track 13.3 km long. This is the only such standard-gauge testing circuit in Europe, although there has been one of 1,524-mm gauge near Moscow for many years. This installation is of a very comprehensive nature to permit tests of many different kinds. The test track is an oval of single track with two semi-circular ends of 1,400 m radius connected by transition curves to two straight sides, each 2 km long. There are two level stretches, one nearly 8 km in length and one just over 2-1/4 km, joined by 1-1/4 km of 0.2 percent gradient and just over 1-3/4 km at 0.14 percent. With a superelevation of 150 mm, the line is suitable for speeds up to 200 km/h and the permanent way is such that axleloads of 25 ton are permissible. If required for tests of either track or vehicles, known irregularities can be introduced into the track in either top line or cross-level. There is only one turnout which is run through trailing if the train is circulating clockwise and facing if anticlockwise. The line is electrified on the overhead system. The overhead is a simple catenary with stitch wires at the supports, and is composed of a copper contact wire. The biggest advantage of trails on the test circuit, as compared with similar tests on the main line, is that long-term endurance trials can be carried out much more quickly. This is particularly true of Czechoslovakian conditions, largely because of the very intense traffic on the CSD.

• Corporate Authors:

  Temple Press Limited

  161-166 Fleet Street
  Longon EC4,   England 
• Publication Date: 1970-3-6

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 179-180
• Serial:
  • RAILWAY GAZETTE
  • Volume: 126

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Ballast (Railroads); Equipment tests; Field tests; Railroad electrification; Railroad rails; Railroad ties; Railroad tracks; Railroad trains; Technology
• Uncontrolled Terms: Ballast
• Geographic Terms: Czech Republic; Czechoslovakia
• Old TRIS Terms: Test equipment
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00037797
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 15 1973 12:00AM