Performance Analysis and Testing of a Conventional Three-Piece Freight Car Truck Retrofitted to Provide Axle Steering

The paper reviews the performance analysis and test work carried out on a conventional three-piece freight car truck retrofitted with elastomeric elements and cast steel steering arms in order to provide axle steering on curves and improved dynamic stability at higher speeds. A general approach on truck design is presented concerning linear truck dynamic stability and linear/nonlinear steady-state curve negotiation. Results of comparative performance tests are given, including the measurement of interaxle stiffnesses and the measurement of forces and angles of attack in curves, for both the conventional and the modified trucks. Comments are given on the economic impact that the retrofitted steering truck is expected to have on railway operations.