Railway Track & Structures - February 2009 - (Page 19)

equipped trains. Fuel consumed for similar TOR friction control-equipped trains and non-equipped trains were summarized over selected route segments. Thus, spot checks were obtained by monitoring wayside curving forces at one track location, while onboard energy data provided an indication of benefits of the mobile-based TOR friction control systems over the entire route. The applicator systems, Figure 1, were similar in configuration to the prototype ore car-based TOR friction control applicator used on the Quebec Cartier Mining Railroad demonstrations conducted in December 2004.1 Specific details include: • Electrical power supplied from the locomotive multiunit (MU) connections • Onboard global positioning system (GPS)-based control system • Air supply from the locomotive main reservoir • Onboard friction control material reservoir (for this test, Kelsan AutoPilot™ TOR Material) • Applicator nozzles mounted to the car truck frame apply friction control material directly to the top of rail A GPS-based map was programmed into the operating memory of the TOR friction control system for the specific operating route. This information, along with preprogrammed information on curvature, grades and other route data, was used to adjust TOR friction control output for various track segments, curves and other operating restrictions. These instructions are based on information regarding TOR friction control needs, individual railroad restrictions or requirements (e.g., ceasing TOR friction control application during braking and below speeds of 10 mph). The present configuration required that the TOR friction control car be operated as the first car in the train to obtain electrical power and air, as well as to apply friction control material behind the locomotives. The TOR friction control application rates programmed for this demonstration were designed for a coal route. GPS information allowed the system to determine if the train was moving from the mine towards the power plant (loaded) or from the unloading facility to the mine (empty), and adjusted friction control output rates as needed for heavier or lighter wheel loads. Load station data (curving forces) Curving forces for each axle of every car in the train can be used to show within-train performance, as well as fulltrain average performance. Because truck suspension systems have a significant influence on curving forces, only trains with nearly identical equipment were compared for this evaluation. Figure 2 shows the curving forces generated throughout the train (front to rear) of a typical non-equipped train and a typical TOR friction control-equipped train. Data from the L/V measurement site were inconclusive. A limited sample suggests the mobile-based TOR friction control system was effective in reducing curving forces for the front 30 to 40 cars (up to lead axle 80) of the 130-car trains, A RAIL DRILL REVOLUTION. • NEW HONDA 4-STROKE GAS ENGINE • NEW QUILL FEED SPINDLE • NEW SINGLE STROKE FEED • NEW CLAMP SYSTEM • ONLY 45 LB., 22% LIGHTER Trak-Star ® RailBoss ™– our latest evolution of rail drills since we revolutionized rail drilling over ten years ago offers new features and improved ergonomics for faster rail changeouts. You’ll cut holes in standard rail in about 15 seconds with total time between holes at one minute. No pre-mixed gas with RailBoss’ powerful, quiet, 50cc engine which has an Oil Alert safety feature. High-torque gearing prevents bogTwister Cutters provide down in heat-treated rail. It’s safer with no exposed a cooler cut rotating parts when clamped to the rail. You’ll operate it and offer from a standing position with the extended handle and extended tool life in heatchange Twister ™ Cutters in seconds with Trak-Star’s treated rail. Quick Shank Tool Holding System. Join the revolution and ask for a demonstration. Call 866-245-3745. ™ Made in USA Hougen Manufacturing, Inc., P.O. Box 2005, Flint, MI 48501-2005 Toll Free: 866-245-3745 • Fax: 800-309-3299 • Hours: M-F 7A-7P EST E-mail: info@trak-star.com • Online: www.trak-star.com www.rtands.com Railway Track & Structures February 2009 19 http://www.rtands.com

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Railway Track and Structures - February 2009 Contents On Track Industry Today Supplier News AREMA News NRC News TTCI R&D Railroads Stepping Up Use of Technology to Locate Rail Flaws Rail Lubrication Realizing Great Potential M/W Challenges: Track Settlement at Bridge Approaches Supplier Profiles Products and Literature People Calendar Advertisers Index Sales Representatives Website Directory Professional Directory Classified Advertising Chicago Perspective

Railway Track & Structures - February 2009

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