Conceptual Design and Feasibility Study of Gauge-Changing Bogie for Variable Gauge System

Abstract

Malaysia's railway network uses a variety of gauge lengths. Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) has been utilising a meter gauge, while the new ECRL line employs a standard gauge. Dealing with different gauges on a railway network can be tough for passengers and operators. Meanwhile, switching trains from Malaysia's East Coast to the West Coast involves changing tracks from the ECRL track (standard gauge) to the KTMB track (meter gauge). Due to the varying gauges, the freight train is required to transfer its cargo from ECRL to KTMB rolling stock. The locomotive industry acknowledges that the issue of varying gauges on railway networks presents challenges for passengers and operators. A Gauge Change Train (GCT), which connects two railway networks with different track gauges, provides a possible solution for this issue. Therefore, this paper aims to propose a design concept for a gauge-changing bogie for a variable gauge track system (standard gauge or metre gauge track). Two gauges can be adjusted on a variable gauge bogie system. It consists of a bogie system for adjusting the wheel length from the axle and a gauge-changing railroad track. In this paper, a new bogie design for APM trains and freight trains is developed, while a bogie that can be used on various track gauges was constructed using AutoCAD and Solidworks. The main feature of the new design bogie is that it will use a pneumatic suspension system to alter the length. The proposed bogie can be converted to a metre gauge or standard gauge, and such flexibility can improve the transportation industry's service in the future.