TESTS OF THE AMTRAK SDP-40F TRAIN CONSIST CONDUCTED ON CHESSIE SYSTEM TRACK

This report describes tests of an SDP-40F train consist conducted on Chessie System track during June 1977. The tests consisted of the operation of two typical AMTRAK passenger consists, one powered by two SDP-40F's and the other by two E-8's, over a variety of track conditions. The objectives of the tests were to compare dynamic performance of the SDP-40F locomotive with the E-8, and to determine the sensitivity of the SDP-40F response to track geometry variations, operational parameters and truck configuration changes. Data was obtained on the lateral and vertical wheel/rail loads and carbody accelerations under a variety of speeds, track geometry and track surface conditions. Modifications of the SDP-40F trucks were also made and tested. Each locomotive was tested in a consist representative of passenger service over a variety of operational track conditions. In general, the SDP-40F lateral wheel/rail loads in selected curves showed a tendency to increase above curve balance speed at a faster rate than that of the E-8. A means was developed for accurately predicting lead axle lateral force levels in 2 degree curves as a function of speed and track geometry variations. A new strain gage configuration was developed which will greatly improve the accuracy of lateral rail loads measurements.

• Record URL:
  • https://railroads.dot.gov/elibrary/tests-amtrak-sdp-40f-train-consist-conducted-chessie-system-track
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Systems Center

  55 Broadway, Kendall Square
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02142

  Federal Railroad Administration

  Office of Research and Development, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Tong, P
  • BRANTMAN, R
  • Greif, R
  • Mirabella, J
• Publication Date: 1979-5

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: 260 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alignment; Derailments; Geometric curves; L/V ratio; Locomotives; Overturning; Passenger trains; Rail gauge; Railroad rails; Railroad tracks; Sanding; Speed limits; Standards; Train track dynamics
• Identifier Terms: Amtrak; Chessie System
• Uncontrolled Terms: Lateral loads
• Old TRIS Terms: Alignment control; Gauge widening; Rail overturning; Six axle locomotives; Track standards; Track structures
• Subject Areas: Law; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00196989
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FRA/ORD-79/19 Final Rpt., DOT-TSC-FRA-79-14
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 28 1979 12:00AM