cjp
Member
The Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash started this train of thought. but I now have a couple of questions for the gurus.
The Royal Albert Bridge has a 15mph speed limited and what sounds like jointed track. What science determines speed limits?
Or are speed limits just a finger in the wind and being cautious (like one sees on roads that have just been sprayed and gritted @ 5, 10 or 15mph)?
What would be the harm in running trains on the bridge at say 35mph especially if the vibration or percussive effects of jointed track was eliminated by laying welded track?
And do speed limits depend on the weight of the trains ie light trains (electric) can go faster than heavy freight pulled by diesel laden locos. (I know braking distance and signal intervals is also a factor).
Finally I thought the limit on speeds was the radius of curves and the cant of the track rather than anything else but i guess it is combination of .. . .
I am interested in any answers but especially about the low speed limit Brunel's bridge's.
http://www.squidoo.com/Royal-Albert-Bridge
The Royal Albert Bridge has a 15mph speed limited and what sounds like jointed track. What science determines speed limits?
Or are speed limits just a finger in the wind and being cautious (like one sees on roads that have just been sprayed and gritted @ 5, 10 or 15mph)?
What would be the harm in running trains on the bridge at say 35mph especially if the vibration or percussive effects of jointed track was eliminated by laying welded track?
And do speed limits depend on the weight of the trains ie light trains (electric) can go faster than heavy freight pulled by diesel laden locos. (I know braking distance and signal intervals is also a factor).
Finally I thought the limit on speeds was the radius of curves and the cant of the track rather than anything else but i guess it is combination of .. . .
I am interested in any answers but especially about the low speed limit Brunel's bridge's.
http://www.squidoo.com/Royal-Albert-Bridge