by benltrain
what is the maximum speed a passenger train can comfortably take a well built switch? what about safely but maybe not comfortably?
Railroad Forums
Moderator: Robert Paniagua
Sir Ray wrote:Since switches have speed ratings, this is not a simple question to answer.on the amtrak high(er) speed lines what are the speed limits through switches? what about other speed lines worldwide?
Switches should have a design rating (say 45mph), and if the train exceeds that speed (which it really shouldn't - this isn't a underposted Highway Speed limit, but an actual design limit) then problems can occur (discomfort being the mildest, derailment the worse). Switches designed for High Speed lines, as you can imagine, tend to have gentler curves among other characteristics.
DutchRailnut wrote:don't say all of NEC cause some MNCR switches are 60 mph on NECLike New CP217 and CP235, most are 45 but some are 30 and even 15 mphwoops, sorry bout that, i forgot about the tracks down south
benltrain wrote:also, what is the max speed a train can go through an interlocking if it does not switch tracks?it depends on the track speed in the area, for example, in Attleboro, MA on the NEC, if an Acela Express has a clear signal through Holden INT. it can go 150 mph or MAS for that area
MBTA F40PH-2C 1050 wrote:at HOLDEN INTERLOCKING on the Northeast corridor, the switch for trains going to make the Attleboro stop is an 80 mph switch (Track 1-Track 3) but for all other switch's on the NEC, the best speed u can get is 45 because of the limited clear signal (red over flashing green=45mph)I thought the newer high-speed crossovers were only good for 70mph.