TRAIN RESISTANCES AT HIGH SPEEDS

A series of tests were conducted to determine the drawbar horsepower required to haul a 1,000-ton train at a constant speed of 100 mph on straight level track. A 16-car test train, including dynamometer car, was assembled, equipped throughout with four-wheel trucks and conventional friction bearings. The test comprised a trip from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Grand Island, Nebraska, and back, and six locomotives in all were employed of three types. Measurements were made on constant grades at least 6300 ft. long. The resistance in pounds per ton are shown over the test stretches for each locomotive type. During the test the maximum drawbar horsepower developed by each locomotive was also recorded and was used to determine the adjusted horsepower delivered to the drawbar for the locomotive running at constant speed on straight level track. The test results and the Davis formula were used to calculate horsepower curves for a 1000-ton train travelling various speeds.

• Corporate Authors:

  Temple Press Limited

  161-166 Fleet Street
  Longon EC4,   England 
• Publication Date: 1939-8-4

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 171-174
• Serial:
  • RAILWAY GAZETTE
  • Volume: 71

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acceleration (Mechanics); Drawbars; High speed rail; Locomotives; Mathematical models; Railroad tracks; Railroad trains; Steam locomotives; Tangent track; Technology; Train operations; Velocity; Wheel loads
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Old TRIS Terms: Mathematical studies; Train load; Velocity profile
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00037984
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 8 1994 12:00AM