A REVOLUTION IN FREIGHT TRAIN BRAKING HAS BEGUN

Brakes were historically the first and only control equipment on freight wagons, and at the beginning of the 21st century, the basics of braking still date back to 1870. This article reviews some of the new technology that is making train braking the avenue for the development of modern freight trains. The three main factors leading to change are: the freight train has reached its limit in terms of length, weight, and speed with the UIC pneumatic brake, while the AAR brake also suffers from performance limitations; automation of the production system is becoming vital to increase productivity; and mandatory noise reduction and the need for higher axle loads are making traditional cast iron shoes redundant.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/07445326
• Corporate Authors:

  Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation

  345 Hudson Street
  New York, NY  United States  10014
• Authors:
  • Guillaumin, B
• Publication Date: 2000-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 23-24
• Serial:
  • INTERNATIONAL RAILWAY JOURNAL AND RAPID TRANSIT REVIEW
  • Volume: 40
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation
  • ISSN: 0744-5326

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automatic braking; Automation; Axle load force; Brakes; Braking performance; Electronic control; Freight trains; Noise control; Technological innovations
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00791236
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 25 2000 12:00AM