SUITABILITY OF SIX-AXLE LOCOMOTIVES FOR C&O--B&O SERVICE--THE INTERACTION WITH TRACK STRUCTURE

A series of tests was conducted with 6-axle locomotives in heavy, coal drag service on Cranberry Grade to investigate the interaction of locomotive tractive power and track conditions. Particularly, the performance of 6-axle locomotives in this service was investigated to determine the relative merits of that design versus the 4-axle units previously used. Five major areas were found to be significant and completely interdependent: I. Locomotive wheel life with 6-axle units. II. Rail cleanliness affects locomotive adhesion. III. The condition of the track and the rail govern overall acceptability of 6-axle locomotives. IV. Operating practices covering the use of sand are related to increased wheel wear and increased track maintenance. V. Instrumented wheel tests: A. To determine to what extent and under what circumstances the wheel and rail wear attributable to 6-axle locomotives exceeds that of 4-axle units. B. To determine effect of track surface on locomotive riding qualities. C. To determine suitability of 6-axle locomotives.

• Corporate Authors:

  Chesapeake and Ohio Railway

  Terminal Tower, PO Box 6419
  Cleveland, OH  United States  44101

  Baltimore and Ohio Railroad

  Baltimore & Ohio Building, 2 North Charles Street
  Baltimore, MD  United States  21201
• Authors:
  • SCHMIDT, J J
• Publication Date: 1966-2-11

Media Info

• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: 27 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Abrasions; Adhesion; Cleaning; Dynamics; Equipment; Gage (Rails); Locomotives; Railroad rails; Railroad tracks; Ride quality; Structural design; Technology; Train track dynamics; Vehicle design; Vehicle dynamics; Vibration; Wear; Wheels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Lateral loads; Track geometry
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Old TRIS Terms: Chemical cleaning; Locomotive design; Locomotive vibration; Mechanical cleaning; Track gauge
• Subject Areas: Design; Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00040076
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Res Rpt
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 22 1976 12:00AM