NEXT GENERATION PASSENGER BRAKE EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT UPDATE - LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

摘要

The Next Generation Passenger Brake Equipment Development (RTDF2013-4732) presented the background and development process to be followed in the application of the Association of American Railroads (AAR) S-4200 Electronically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) brake standards as applied to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Tier I passenger equipment. During the ensuing five-year period, significant work has been performed to allow an ECP-equipped passenger train to enter an FRA revenue service demonstration on the Amtrak Keystone Service between Harrisburg, PA, and New York, NY. This paper summarizes the information contained in the 2013 paper and addresses the actual implementation path that was followed. The paper discusses 26C pneumatic brake characterization testing required for emulation operation, performance standard differences for passenger equipment, and the safety analysis performed. The paper covers interoperability testing, equipment modifications, static train testing, and dynamic train testing that were required to enter the revenue service demonstration phase. Finally, emulation service status, the revenue service demonstration status, American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Passenger Rail Equipment Safety Standards (PRESS) issuance, and Code of Federal Regulation 49CFR238 proposed changes are addressed.