What Determines A V/max Speed?

Discussion in 'Off Topic' started by -_-LivvuAurora-_-, Sep 28, 2024.

  1. -_-LivvuAurora-_-

    -_-LivvuAurora-_- Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2022
    Messages:
    658
    Likes Received:
    808
    So this might sound a bit stupid, but I'm genuinely curious as to what are the factors which determine the maximum allowed speed of a train/rolling stock.

    For example, Why is the Dosto only permitted to 160 kmh? Yet the IC2 Twindexx Vario can drive at a maximum of 189 kmh(I think)

    I'm aware that likely it has to do with how they are built, but I'm very interesting in the specifics of it!
     
    • Like Like x 1
  2. diamondderp

    diamondderp Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 4, 2023
    Messages:
    115
    Likes Received:
    125
    iirc double doors is max 160 km/h.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  3. razmatus#2517

    razmatus#2517 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2022
    Messages:
    2,391
    Likes Received:
    1,540
    I believe for higher speeds also the carriages need to be more air-tight than regular ones (so if they pass like ICEs in tunnels or so, it doesnt cause derailment or anything similar)... probably also suspension needs to be different etc
     
    • Like Like x 1
  4. -_-LivvuAurora-_-

    -_-LivvuAurora-_- Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2022
    Messages:
    658
    Likes Received:
    808
    Oh, interesting. I didn't actually think that air seals played that far into the stability of a train. Fascinating! :)
     
  5. 10A _Driver

    10A _Driver Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2020
    Messages:
    73
    Likes Received:
    216
    Sorry for the late reply, I missed your question -_-LivvuAurora-_-
    The design of the traction motors and gearing to the driving axles will determine the max speed of a loco / unit.
    The weight of the unit, type of braking and adhesion coefficient of the tyres is also a large factor. All this together will determine Vmax.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  6. -_-LivvuAurora-_-

    -_-LivvuAurora-_- Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2022
    Messages:
    658
    Likes Received:
    808
    Fascinating, all this genuinely is opening my eyes to the deeper workings of trains. Thank you! :)
     
  7. razmatus#2517

    razmatus#2517 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2022
    Messages:
    2,391
    Likes Received:
    1,540
    it's like, regular dostos in Germany are usually 160, but the special ones designed for BR102 (before that loco got gradually out of service) also had 189 (supposed to be 200 but DB didnt like some things)... also regular Desiro HC is 160, but Franken Thuringen Express has like one extra dosto in the middle and vmax 189 :)
     
    • Like Like x 1
  8. -_-LivvuAurora-_-

    -_-LivvuAurora-_- Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 10, 2022
    Messages:
    658
    Likes Received:
    808
    The BR102 is already out of service?? It looks so new though!
     
    • Like Like x 1
  9. Tomas9970

    Tomas9970 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 7, 2018
    Messages:
    1,032
    Likes Received:
    1,040
    Didn't know it's out of service in Germany but the whole thing (or at least it's czech version, the ČD 380) is a disaster. It barely got it's international certifications, was plagued with technical issues throughout it's operational history and lastly, it was found that installing ETCS would require removing some of the other train protection systems so they are to be decommissioned as well because of that.

    So yeah, this locomotive was supposed to bring Škoda Transportation back to the top (and compete with the TRAXX and Vectron) but instead, it ended up being their biggest failure.
     
    Last edited: Oct 7, 2024
  10. razmatus#2517

    razmatus#2517 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2022
    Messages:
    2,391
    Likes Received:
    1,540
    maybe not completely, but there is a plan to phase them out eventually... and a new competition for such services has already been set up, with conditions so that this kind of disaster doesnt happen again

    380 or Emil Zatopek as it is known here isnt a complete failure/disaster, but it is apparent that Skoda isnt on the same level as Siemens or Alstom... for hauling stuff in Slovakia or Czech Republic it is a fine and good looking machine, but even here some companies prefer Vectrons and such machines instead

    hell, even ČD is buying Tauruses and Vectrons if they can :D

    so yeah, such a shame, cos those new dostos look so sleek and cool :)

    but then, if DB wants highspeed dostos, I guess they will turn to Siemens and their Desiro HC... the variant for Franken Thuringen Express is already approved for 189 kph... and as far as I know, it is fairly reliable :)
     

Share This Page