Hi;
I just had this thought last night while trying to fall asleep and hearing a train rumble by on the nearby CSX River Line.
Why hasn't there ever been an attempt (or at least a test) to incorporate anti-lock braking systems to railroad locomotives and rolling stock.
In particular, I believe that such a system would be quite beneficial for passenger trains where frequent stops are necessary.
Wouldn't a train stop faster, and without wheel locking if an ABS system were employed?
This could essentially eliminate flat spots on the wheels, which causes excessive wear on rolling stock and rails.
I realize that for much longer freight trains, an ABS system would be much more difficult to implement, and require all locomotives to supply electric power to the train, and modification to all rolling stock to retrofit the ABS system, which would also include the addition of electric cables between cars.
Perhaps due to the length of the average freight train, such a system would prove ineffective and much too expensive.
I therefore limit my practical interest to passenger trains, but fantasize about having such systems on freight trains as well.
CPSK
I just had this thought last night while trying to fall asleep and hearing a train rumble by on the nearby CSX River Line.
Why hasn't there ever been an attempt (or at least a test) to incorporate anti-lock braking systems to railroad locomotives and rolling stock.
In particular, I believe that such a system would be quite beneficial for passenger trains where frequent stops are necessary.
Wouldn't a train stop faster, and without wheel locking if an ABS system were employed?
This could essentially eliminate flat spots on the wheels, which causes excessive wear on rolling stock and rails.
I realize that for much longer freight trains, an ABS system would be much more difficult to implement, and require all locomotives to supply electric power to the train, and modification to all rolling stock to retrofit the ABS system, which would also include the addition of electric cables between cars.
Perhaps due to the length of the average freight train, such a system would prove ineffective and much too expensive.
I therefore limit my practical interest to passenger trains, but fantasize about having such systems on freight trains as well.
CPSK