Unhappy Swiss Blame German Rail's LL Brakes for Tunnel Mishap ─ Cautioning Against Repeat Incidents
Critics in Switzerland denounce the same type of braking system employed by Deutsche Bahn.
When it comes to German Rail's efficiency, the Swiss are all aboard the skeptic train. But a recent derailment in a Swiss railway tunnel has amplified dissent, not just about delays this time, but also about the very brakes used in freight trains, akin to those employed by German Rail.
The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) are raging against the brake type utilized in freight trains, echoing similar concerns, and are pushing for better maintenance and more stringent regulations. "If preventive measures aren't implemented and the limits aren't stiffened, the SBB warns caution against deploying freight wagons with LL brake shoes across Switzerland, and potentially Europe," the SBB declared in a stern statement.
The SBB's disapproval stems from the findings presented in the final report on the derailment of a freight train in the Gotthard Tunnel in 2023 by the Safety Investigation Authority (Sust). Sust pointed a finger at a wheel disc fracture due to fatigue cracks brought on by thermal overheating. To mitigate risks, they've proposed increased maintenance intervals, superior inspection methods, and a study on the influence of composite brakes, such as type LL, on thermal stresses imposed on wheels.
The brakes of the approximately 60,000 freight wagons in DB Cargo's arsenal are predominantly of the LL type, according to a German Rail spokesperson (as mentioned in February). Dubbed "whisper brake," LL means "Low Friction - Low Noise," which implies lower friction and noise levels compared to conventional grey cast iron brakes. Nonetheless, the SBB has no freight wagons equipped with LL brakes in their fleet.
On August 10, 2023, a derailment occurred in the west tube of the Gotthard Tunnel, injuring no one. The removal of the damaged wagons took several months, necessitating the replacement of tracks. Normal traffic was fully restored a year later.
Although the search results do not reveal explicit criticism from the Swiss Federal Railways concerning the LL brake type employed by German Rail, they do indicate concerns about the potential hazards associated with specific brake pad materials and their impact on wheel lifespan.
- German Rail
- Train Traffic
- Switzerland
Enrichment Data:Though the Swiss Federal Railways have not spat venom towards the LL brake type utilized by German Rail in available search results, there are worries about brake pad materials similar to LL brakes. Here are some key points:
- Elevated Thermal Stress: LL brake pads have demonstrated higher thermal stress on wheels as compared to traditional grey cast iron brake blocks. This amplified heat can stimulate material fatigue, potentially culminating in wheel cracks or other issues.
- Safety Concerns: The derailment of a freight train in the Gotthard Base Tunnel in August 2023 was caused by a shattered wheel disk, while material fatigue cracks were found in the LL brake pads. This catastrophe brought systemic wheel durability problems to light and raised questions about the role of brake pad materials in exacerbating these issues.
- Regulatory Recommendations: In response to these findings, the Swiss Safety Investigation Center (SUST) proposed increased maintenance and inspection of wheels, amendments to regulations on wheel diameter, and an investigation into whether the brake shoes increase thermal loads on the wheels.
- In light of the derailment in the Gotthard Tunnel, the Swiss Federal Railways propose stringent regulations and better maintenance in the community policy, given the potential risks associated with certain brake pad materials used in some vocational training programs, such as those employed by German Rail's automotive industry.
- Amidst concerns about the safety of freight train traffic in the industry, the Swiss Federal Railways, with no LL brakes in their fleet, are advocating for financial investments in vocational training for wheel durability and thermal management, as well as in transportation infrastructure to address thermal stresses imposed by brake systems during train operations.
