The DRRS25 can be fitted with conventional, compact or disc brakes, and all configurations use double rubber rolling springs instead of standard steel springs to help reduce noise resulting from the condition of the track. The disc-braked version reduces noise to 6dB(A) below the TSI Noise standard, and more crucially reduces the perceived noise level by 30% compared with a conventional wagon.
Noise-based track access charges will be introduced in Germany by DB Networks from next year and other countries, notably Switzerland, require wagon noise to be managed and reduced. This means the market for quieter bogies could be very large in the future.
DB claims disc brakes will reduce maintenance costs by 35% because wheel rims are not worn down by braking, nor is there the risk of wheels overheating due to brakes not releasing properly. DB Schenker has tested the bogies as part of a DB project to develop low-noise freight trains and the bogies meet the relevant TSI standards for freight wagons.
The DRRS25 bogie is designed to comply with UIC standard UIC 510-1, meaning it is interchangeable with the standard Y25 type. Swiss intermodal operator Hupac is planning to test the new bogie under its wagons.
Meanwhile Tatravagónka Poprad, Slovakia, has also developed a disc braked bogie although it has chosen to fit them to the industry standard Y25 design which uses steel springs for suspension. These new Y25 bogies will be tested by German wagon leasing company AAE.
