By Gary P. Wolf • December 1, 2004 “Wide gauge” is one of the most often used FRA derailment codes. In 2003, 254 derailments were reported to have been caused by wide gauge (FRA code T110 or T111). This represents nearly 13% of all derailments reported to the FRA, and roughly …
by Bob Tuzik, December 1, 2004 As part of its effort to monitor dynamic vehicle/track interaction on the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak commissioned ENSCO, Inc., to develop a Wayside Train/Track Interaction Detection System. The goal was to measure and collect information on vehicle/track forces that would enable Amtrak to determine the causes of …
By Gary Wolf Part 1 of this article examined trailing-point derailments, facing-point derailments and thin flange wheels. Part 2 examines wheel climb and frog-related derailments. Crosslevel variances in turnout geometry represent a common cause of wheel-climb derailments. It’s not unusual to find bolted or insulated joints within 30 to 40 …
By Gary P. Wolf • November 1, 2004 Part 1 of Truck Warp: Causes and Cures covered the three primary causes of truck warp: • An insufficient longitudinal steering moment is developed at the wheelset due to poor profile characteristics, typically, hollow-worn wheels. • An insufficient warp stiffness or moment …
By Jeff Tuzik • July 2010 Wheel/rail interaction is complex, variable and difficult to manage — especially on rail transit systems where noise, vibration and ride quality present daily challenges. As a result, managing the wheel/rail interface requires constant attention and innovation. Speakers at Advanced Rail Management’s Rail Transit 2010 …