SHORT RANGE LOCOMOTIVE FOR LOCAL RAILWAY LINES. NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND FIRST EXPERIENCE ABROAD WITHIN EUROPE

The short range rail passenger traffic (SPNV) in rural areas usually runs at a large deficit. Therefore the aim of European railways was to intensify the development of Diesel rail cars, in order to achieve greater economy. 16 types of vehicles from railways in Denmark, West Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, Yugoslavia, the Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Sweden, Czechoslovakia and Hungary were compared regarding vehicle design, operation, the success of the new vehicles and possible improvements from assessing the technical literature, light construction; the use of standard components, measures to increase the attractiveness for the passengers, areas of use and structural vehicle features were of particular interest. The economic aspects concern the reduction of manufacturing and staff costs, savings of energy costs and reducing the running costs.