The results of tests on medium friction composition brake shoes by the Peruvian National Railways has produced a viable alternative to the locally made cast iron shoes which were proving to be dangerous. The composition brake shoes performed better than the cast iron ones in all aspects, the uniform friction characteristics ensuring safe braking at speeds not possible previously. As they also proved to be more reliable, with longer life and less wear, cost benefits actually accrued, bringing the project to a successful conclusion.
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References
1.
Engineering and design of railway brake systems, Sept. 1975 (The Air Brake Association, Chicago, USA).
2.
Management of train operation and train handling, July 1977 (the Air Brake Association, Chicago, USA).
3.
Note: A copy of the technical specification entitled Brake shoes medium friction composition type is available for inspection in the Library of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, London.
