New Horizons for Rolling Stock Construction.

Theoretical and experimental criteria towards which future construction of the rolling stock, in particular bogies, should be oriented in order to optimize their running behavior, not only on high-speed lines but also on those of medium and low curvature, are illustrated. It is shown how it is possible to obtain appreciable speed increases both on the locomotives and on the hauled vehicles by: drastically reducing bogie weight, using the body-inclination techniques, and installing active transversal suspension devices. These provisions, in addition to an increase in speed, produce an appreciable improvement of the dynamic behavior of the rolling stock and help to bring about a considerable reduction in rim and axle wear.