SUSPENSION DEVELOPMENTS ON TWO AXLE AND BOGIE WAGONS (B)

An improved understanding of vehicle dynamics, response to various track features and curving performance, now facilitates the design and development of freight suspensions which meet required ride performance standards and minimize maintenance, particularly through reduced wheel and flange wear in curving. The paper illustrates the application of these techniques to 2-axle and bogie suspensions and suggests how, by minimum modification, the performance of existing 2-axle vehicles, incorporating laminated springs, may be improved. The development of the cross-braced freight bogie is presented and the results obtained from the test running of the experimental bogies are discussed.