European freight vehicle running gear: Today's position and future demands

Abstract

The running gear of most of the rail freight vehicles in operation today tends to be built to very old designs. The running gear for new freight rolling stock and, in particular, new types of bogie must have significantly improved performance if they are to satisfy the demands of all the stakeholders associated with the railways. Improved performance in this context means reduced inspection time and brake manipulation time in marshalling yards, lower weight, lower noise emissions and lower lateral track forces. All this can be achieved by new designs of bogie running gear, at little extra first cost and at lower whole life cost.