German high-speed train brakes under scrutiny, draw criticism from Swiss authorities
Let's dive into the latest drama unfolding in the world of European railways! You know, the one where the Swiss aren't too pleased with a certain brake type used by both the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and the German Rail. This all stems from a freight train derailment that partially disabled a Swiss tunnel.
Seems like the SBB isn't singing praises for the LL brake blocks (short for Low Friction - Low Noise) anymore, and they're urging stricter regulations or even a ban on this brake type in Switzerland and beyond. According to an SBB statement, they're vocalizing concerns about insufficient maintenance, among other issues. If no action is taken, they believe the use of freight wagons with LL brake blocks should be seriously limited or even banned, as they see fit.
The SBB's stance is rooted in a final report on a 2023 freight train derailment in the Gotthard Tunnel, penned by the Safety Investigation Authority (Sust). Oh, and did I mention the Sust found a broken wheel hub due to material fatigue cracks caused by thermal overheating as the cause of the accident? They also suggested longer maintenance intervals, improved testing methods, and a study on the impact of composite brake blocks, including type LL, on thermal stress on wheels.
Now, cruising over to the German Rail's side, you'll find around 60,000 freight wagons outfitted with LL brake blocks as of February, 2023. But let's not forget about those fearless competition hounds known as the Flixtrain! They've been investing in the long-distance traffic scene, and there's speculation that this could lead to cheaper DB tickets for us common folk.
You might be curious to know that the Swiss Railways don't have any wagons with LL brake blocks in their freight traffic. Unfortunately, a freight train met a derailment in the west tube of the Gotthard Tunnel on August 10, 2023. Thankfully, no people were harmed in this incident. The extraction of the wagons took months, and the tracks needed replacement. It wasn't until a year later that traffic resumed without restrictions.
[1] ntv.de
[2] mwa/dpa
[3] www.railtimes.com
[4] spiegel.de
- Keywords: German Rail, Train Traffic, Switzerland
Did you know?
According to the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST), thermal stress is a major concern when it comes to the use of certain brake types like the LL brake pads. Such brakes are believed to cause increased thermal stress on wheels compared to traditional grey cast iron brake blocks. However, it's worth noting that the SUST's report does not take direct aim at German Rail or their use of LL brakes specifically. Instead, the focus is on general safety concerns and maintenance issues related to wheel cracks and brake types. The SUST's recommendations aim to improve safety standards across European railways, including increased maintenance and inspection of wheels and adjustments to regulations regarding wheel diameter.
Vocational training in the automotive industry could be beneficial for rail maintenance workers, as they might need to understand the intricacies of components such as brake systems to effectively implement community policy on wheel safety. The financial implications of a broader implementation of these safety measures should be considered, as they could lead to increased costs for both Swiss and German railways, affecting their transportation budgets.
