RTRI REPORT October 1999

Brake Technology for 140 km/h Operation of Narrow-Gauge Lines

Izumi HASEGAWA, Katsutoshi KAYASHIMA


  The maximum train speed on narrow-gauge lines is regulated to satisfy the requirement for the emergency brake distance to be 600m or less. To raise the maximum speed from 130 km/h to 140 km/h, it is required to increase the brake force of trains and maintain sufficient adhesion between wheel and rail even under wet conditions. Therefore, we improved slip control equipment basically by applying the proven slip rate and adding measures to obtain a maximum brake effect. By the improved slip control method, we (1) maintain the brake force without reducing it when the slip is small, and (2) permit slip to make the wheel tread coarse in order to improve adhesion when slip is large under insufficient adhesion conditions. We tested the type 681 limited express train of JR WEST equipped with the improved brake system to find that the train can stop within 500m from the speed of 140 km/h even under wet conditions.



Copyright (c) 1999 Railway Technical Research Institute