Test of Gas Turbine Rail Car

摘要

Tests of a railroad passenger car propelled by two gas turbines driving through mechanical transmissions were conducted to evaluate the capabilities and limitations of the propulsion system. These tests indicate that there are no insuperable or basic obstacles to applying the turbine power concept to suburban service. (1) The ability of the systems to accelerate the car at modern rates was conclusively demonstrated; (2) Adequate braking was achieved; (3) The fuel economy is neither so bad nor so hopeless of improvement as to constitute an impassable barrier to the future of the system; (4) The acceptability of the car to the passanger was demonstrated; (5) The acceptability of the car to the wayside public was demonstrated; (6) The railroad's track or signal people have no reason to object to the use of the system; (7) Adaptability, reliability, and maintainability of the system as a whole and of the propulsion subsystems remain uncertain; consequently: (8) Overall economics of the concept are undetermined. (Author)