THE EFFECT OF FREIGHT CAR CUSHIONING CHARACTERISTICS ON TRAIN ACTION

The use of freight cars with end-of-car cushioning devices gave rise to severe coupler forces during run-in and run-out train action under certain operating conditions. Tests were made to determine the nature of this action and to compare the action of various types of hydraulic cushioning devices with that of standard friction draft gears. Modifications were made to some of the devices by their manufacturers and further tests were made to determine the degree of improvement effected. Some conclusions are drawn regarding criteria for the reduction of train action forces.