SBB Cargo is testing six different components supplied by different manufactures, with each wagon featuring a different combination, including:
- bogies (supplied by ELH, WBN, Tatra and Greenbrier)
- automatic coupling (Voith and Faiveley)
- wheelset (Bochumer Verein, Lucchini and Bonatrans)
- disc brakes (Knorr, Faiveley and Dako), and
- intelligence (Bosch, PJ Messtechnik Graz and KES Keschwari brake system).
The 5L name stands for quiet, light, strong, logistical and life-cycle-cost oriented developments.
The 16 wagons are equipped with sensors that measure all movements along the entire route, collecting data on the mileage, transport capacity, radial distribution, speed distribution, running quality, applied braking energy and run-up impacts.
“The 5L demonstrator train has been operating virtually trouble-free since June 2018,” says project manager, Ms Jessica Amberg. “The measurements showed that all components achieved good to very good results in all combinations.”
Testing abroad
“The trial operation lasts a total of four years, with a mileage of 100,000km per year,” Amberg says. “As soon as the necessary approvals have been obtained, the 5L demonstrator train will also be operating in Germany and Italy. This will result in longer distances and more travel time, which will lead to more meaningful measurement results.”
SBB Cargo has also begun developing the “5L next” platform, which will test a new range of components. A 5L next freight wagon will be on display for the first time at the Transport Logistic 2019 trade fair in Munich in June.
