Abstract
With the identification of profitable freight areas and the selection of growth traffics for development has come the need to review in detail the running gear and, in particular, the suspensions of both 4-wheeled and bogie vehicles. This design review has been aimed at ensuring a high-speed capability for all new freight vehicles coupled with safety at all times, low maintenance costs, and maximum availability.
After reviewing traditional suspensions, in wide use, with reference to their known strengths and weaknesses, the paper discusses in some detail the philosophy now being applied in B.R. design offices to new freight running gear, for both 4-wheeled and bogie vehicles, to ensure satisfactory achievement of technical objectives.
Examples of new developments are provided, together with comments on progress to date.
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