FAST/HAL Phase III update: HAL test results after 300 mgt with improved-suspension trucks

摘要

Since 1995, the goal of Phase III of the heavy-axle-load program at the Transportation Technology Center's Facility for Accelerated Service Testing has been to determine the economic and safety benefits of operating improved-suspension trucks with 315,000-pound cars. The trucks are designed to provide improved vehicle-curving performance through enhanced axle steering and increased truck-warp resistance. After 300 mgt of accumulated tonnage, FAST results continue to show that when compared to standard-suspension trucks, trucks with improved suspensions offer significant reductions in rail and wheel wear; development of rail corrugations and plastic deformation; gauge widening of softwood ties; and fuel consumption.