CAF

The effects of a winter environment on the design of rolling stock

CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles S.A.) asked Comatec to help determine what effects the Nordic winter conditions would have on the structure and systems of the tilting body trains they were tendering for use on Swedish railways. Once commissioned, the trains must be able to cope with sub-zero temperatures, ice, snow and blizzards in the often harsh northern conditions.

Objectives:

• To determine the effects of Nordic weather conditions on the behaviour of a train
• To define winter condition standards

Results:

• Analysing the plans which CAF provided, identifying problems and development possibilities as well as developing solutions
• An experienced partner guaranteed that the supplier’s equipment fulfilled all requirements, thus increasing the supplier’s credibility
• The train is able to withstand and operate in the harsh Nordic conditions

Comatec has previously been involved in carrying out similar winter condition consultation for the Helsinki region Sm4 local trains. In that project CAF was the train manufacturer. Comatec has also carried out similar consultation on the Sm5 trains manufactured by Swiss company Stadler Rail.