Ride Improvements to a Class 31 Locomotive

Abstract

This paper reviews the approach adopted in overcoming rough riding on the Class 31 locomotives. It describes how the problem was defined, contains an explanation of the technical investigation, and resultant design modifications, on-track testing, and finally analysis of results, thus demonstrating achievement of a successful design solution.

The paper describes how excessive hysteresis in the existing spring tended to degrade ride performance. The improvements in the ride have been achieved by reducing this friction level significantly, which has resulted in a corresponding reduction in amplitude of the body bending oscillations. This was achieved by replacing the existing bolster laminated spring with a ‘taperleaf’ spring.