Engineering Procedure

Rolling Stock

Engineering Procedure
EPR 016

MEASUREMENT OF BRAKE
PERFORMANCE (STOPPING
DISTANCES)
Version 1.1

Issued October 2011

Owner: Chief Engineer Rolling Stock

Approved Stephen White Authorised Michael Uhlig

by: Technical Specialist Rolling by: Manager
Stock Performance Standards, Rolling Stock Access Integrity
Rolling Stock Access Integrity

Disclaimer
This document was prepared for use on the RailCorp Network only.
RailCorp makes no warranties, express or implied, that compliance with the contents of this document shall be
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RailCorp accepts no liability whatsoever in relation to the use of this document by any party, and RailCorp excludes
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The information in this document is protected by Copyright and no part of this document may be reproduced, altered,
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RailCorp Engineering Procedure — Rolling Stock
Measurement of brake performance (stopping distances) EPR 016

Document control
Version Date Summary of change
(RSP 016) 1.0 February 2006
1.1 December 2006 Position titles amended
1.2 July 2008 Document control page added
(EPR 0016) 1.0 Dec 2009 Reformatted and renumbered EPR 0016
(RSP 016) 1.0 February 2006
Reformatted. Reference to EPR 016 FM 01 added.
1.1 Oct 2011
Reference to RSS 0001 amended to ESR 0001

Summary of changes from previous version

Summary of change Section

Contents

1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................3
2 Purpose ....................................................................................................................................3
3 Scope........................................................................................................................................3
4 Application...............................................................................................................................3
5 Referenced documents ..........................................................................................................3
6 Definitions................................................................................................................................3
7 Test Equipment .......................................................................................................................3
8 Calibration ...............................................................................................................................4
9 Procedures ..............................................................................................................................4
9.1 Test location..............................................................................................................................4
9.2 Check track gradient .................................................................................................................4
9.3 Preparing for test.......................................................................................................................4
9.4 Brake test ..................................................................................................................................4
Appendix A Sample Test Record Sheet. ....................................................................................5

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RailCorp Engineering Procedure — Rolling Stock
Measurement of brake performance (stopping distances) EPR 016

1 Introduction
Before any rail vehicle is permitted to operate on the RailCorp network, the vehicles must
comply with the RailCorp Minimum Operating Standards for Rolling Stock ESR 0001.

The braking performance of a vehicle or train is measured to confirm compliance with the
Minimum Operating Standards for Rolling Stock.

2 Purpose
A brake performance test is performed to determine whether the vehicle or train can stop
within the current signal spacing on the RailCorp network.

3 Scope
The test shall be conducted on every locomotives and self propelled passenger trains
and some infrastructure maintenance vehicles prior to operation on the RailCorp network.

4 Application
This procedure is to be used by rolling stock manufacturers, owners, operators and
testing personnel when assessing the vehicle for compliance with the RailCorp Minimum
Operating Standards for Rolling Stock.

5 Referenced documents
ESR 0001 Minimum Operating Standards for Rolling Stock

ESR 0001 – 200.25 (RSU 287) Brake Performance Test

ESR 0001 – 300.8 (RSU 342) Brake Performance

ESR 0001 – 600.6 (RSU 712) Brake Performance

ESR 0001 – 700.7.2.9 (RSU 715) Brake Functionality Test

ESR 0001 – 700.16.2.1 (RSU 725) Brake Functionality Test

EPR 016 FM 01 Stopping distance recording form

6 Definitions
Stopping Distance the distance the vehicle travels from the location when the brake
handle is applied until the vehicle becomes stationary (m)

7 Test Equipment
• A means of measuring distance along the track is required, eg tape measure or
distance measuring wheels, such as a Trumeter.
• If the locomotive or test vehicle is fitted with a trip counter, the trip counter must be
checked against measured track. The trip counter must indicate distance to the
nearest ten metres.
• A stop watch.

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RailCorp Engineering Procedure — Rolling Stock
Measurement of brake performance (stopping distances) EPR 016

8 Calibration
The tape measure, distance measuring wheel and stop watch must be in good condition,
but are not required to be calibrated for this test.

9 Procedures

9.1 Test location

a) Determine a suitable test location. Brake performance testing should preferably
be conducted on clean, dry, level and straight track.

b) Where it is not possible to test on level track, the track gradient must be known
and should be even for the distance required for the vehicle/train to stop.

c) The location and direction of travel must be recorded.

9.2 Check track gradient

a) Check the gradient of the track from track data.

b) Record the track gradient.

9.3 Preparing for test

a) A suitable braking point adjacent to the track must be identified or setup. This
must be clearly visible to the driver of the test vehicle.

b) Mark out the distance at regular intervals along the track/sleepers from the
braking point using paint stick or other marker.

9.4 Brake test

a) Accelerate the test vehicle up to the required speed and throttle off before the
vehicle approaches the braking point.

b) As the front of the test vehicle passes the braking point, fully apply the brake to
the required level depending upon the type of brake, eg full service automatic
brake.

c) Note the speed of the vehicle and start the stop watch at the instant the brakes
are applied.

d) The driver/operator is to maintain a constant level of braking until the vehicle is

stationary.

e) Once the vehicle is stationary, stop the stop watch and record the distance
travelled from the braking point and the measured elapsed time.

f) The brake cylinder pressure and if applicable the brake pipe pressure should be
recorded.

g) If skidding is evident on any stop, record this on the test record sheet.

h) At the completion of testing, inspect wheels for wheels skidding or other

damage and check that wheels are all hot. (Note: do not touch the wheels, but
just place the rear of the hand close to the wheel to detect radiated heat.)

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RailCorp Engineering Procedure — Rolling Stock
Measurement of brake performance (stopping distances) EPR 016

Appendix A Sample Test Record Sheet.

Test Vehicle: ______________________________ Date: __________________

Location: ________ km Track Section: __________________________

Direction of Travel: (Up or Down) ___________ Weather conditions: ____________

Test Staff: ____________________________________

Test Brake Direction Initial Brake Brake Measured Measured Comments

No. Application of travel Speed Cylinder Pipe Stopping Elapsed
Type (forward Pressure Pressure Distance Time
or
reverse) km/h kPa kPa metres seconds

10

11

12

13

14

15

Brake Application Types:

• Full service automatic brake

• Full independent brake
• Full service brake

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Issued October 2011 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Version 1.1