High Speed Freight Vehicle: Difference between revisions
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The '''High Speed Freight Vehicle''' was a generic term for a number of prototype 4-wheeled rail vehicles which were fitted with various experimental suspensions developed by the [[British Rail Research Division]] in the late 1960's. The development was part of the investigation into the riding of vehicles and the interaction between wheel and rail. |
The '''High Speed Freight Vehicle''' was a generic term for a number of prototype 4-wheeled rail vehicles which were fitted with various experimental suspensions developed by the [[British Rail Research Division]] in the late 1960's. The development was part of the investigation into the riding of vehicles and the interaction between wheel and rail. |
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HSFV1 was regularly run at speeds of up to 140 |
HSFV1 was regularly run at speeds of up to 140 mph (225 km/h) on the Vehicles Laboratory's roller rig. It also performed at 90 mph whilst under test on the main line. Its suspension had two vertical coil springs and two vertical and one lateral hydraulic damper at each corner of the vehicle. |
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A similar converted UIC long wheelbase 4-wheeled ferry van (HSFV4) was utilised for high speed trials. HSFV4 had two coil springs with two 45 degree-inclined hydraulic dampers and a traction rod at each corner. |
A similar converted UIC long wheelbase 4-wheeled ferry van (HSFV4) was utilised for high speed trials. HSFV4 had two coil springs with two 45 degree-inclined hydraulic dampers and a traction rod at each corner. |
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Revision as of 21:24, 16 January 2010
The High Speed Freight Vehicle was a generic term for a number of prototype 4-wheeled rail vehicles which were fitted with various experimental suspensions developed by the British Rail Research Division in the late 1960's. The development was part of the investigation into the riding of vehicles and the interaction between wheel and rail.
HSFV1 was regularly run at speeds of up to 140 mph (225 km/h) on the Vehicles Laboratory's roller rig. It also performed at 90 mph whilst under test on the main line. Its suspension had two vertical coil springs and two vertical and one lateral hydraulic damper at each corner of the vehicle.
A similar converted UIC long wheelbase 4-wheeled ferry van (HSFV4) was utilised for high speed trials. HSFV4 had two coil springs with two 45 degree-inclined hydraulic dampers and a traction rod at each corner.
Although they were excellent riding vehicles in the railway of the day they were viewed as experimental only and far too expensive for widespread adoption. It was also thought that the sophisticated suspension would not stand up to the daily rigours to which freight vehicles were subjected.
However in the early 1970's these experiments resulted in ten covered air braked vans (COV-AB) being fitted with Taperlite suspension consisting of a long double leaf spring and having hydraulic dampers inclined at 45 degrees to effect both vertical and lateral movement. On test these vehicles were capable of 90 mile/h but in service were limited to 75 mile/h (MPH) due to them running with other UIC long link suspension vans. Ultimately they were converted to standard after a few years.
HSFV1 survives today in Serco stock at the RTC. HSFV4 is also still extant at the Eden Valley Railway where it is undergoing restoration.
A number of vehicles were produced, including HSFV1 and HSFV4,[1] with various tests being carried out between 1975 and 1979.[2][3][4] The developments incorporated in HSFV1 formed the basis for the suspension of the infamous Class 140 Pacer railbus.