Citation

List HA. Transp. Res. Rec. 1976; 614: 35-37.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Three specific means to improve the steering behavior of railway vehicles are under development. A new Canadian design is described which provides for a steering motion of the wheelsets in curves and a damping of the wheelset hunting. A modified conventional freight car truck is now being tested in which the parameters that govern curving and high-speed stability are virtually identical to those of the Canadian truck. However because these trucks use standard truck side frames, the radial curving is limited by the existing side frame clearances to about 4 deg of track curvature. A high speed transit car that uses a positive steering arrangement in addition to the basic construction feature of the truck designs described above is also outlined. Further highlights of these truck designs are outlined. Comments are also made on the truck steering mechanics. The truck designs described here can effect a considerable reduction in wheel wear, rail wear, truck component wear and fatigue, carbody component wear and fatigue, derailments, noise, traction power consumption, and constrints on the layout of rail transportation systems.