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Article: "Preload" enhances cushioning. (train loading technique)
- Article from:
- Railway Age
- Article date:
- May 1, 1995
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1995 Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Slack is reduced because the preload - up to 100,000 pounds - prevents the cushioning unit from moving until a force greater than the preload is present.
Recent advances in cushioning unit technology have resulted in end-of-car (EOC) cushioning devices with a preload feature that controls train action forces and accelerations. These new devices have the potential to reduce damage to lading, reduce peak coupler forces, and reduce wear and tear on draft system components.
Slack, the unrestrained free movement between the cars in a train, has been a necessary part of train operations from the beginning of railroading, but can result in undesirable in-train ...