INTRODUCTION TO

ROLLING STOCK AND

RAILWAY SYSTEMS
TOPIC 1
CABUGOS
CASTANIETO
DAYPUYART
SALICSIC
PICONES
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CONTENTS
Overview of Railway Systems 01

Historical Development of Rolling Stock 02

Types of Rolling Stock 03

Rolling Stock Standard and Regulations 04

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 05

Life Cycle of Rolling Stock 06

Introduction to Sustainable Rail and Environmental Considerations 07

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RAILWAY SYSTEM
A railway system refers to a network of trains, tracks, stations, and related
infrastructure that enables the transportation of passengers and goods over land.

RAIL TRACKS STATIONS

TRAINS / ROLLING STOCK
These are the physical paths made of steel rails where Facilities where loads board or alight
Vehicles that move along the tracks
trains run. from trains

SIGNAL SYSTEMS CONTROL CENTERS

These control the movement of trains to ensure safe and Centralized locations where the movement of trains is monitored
efficient operation. and managed
TYPES OF RAILWAY
PASSENGER
FREIGHT
HIGH-SPEED
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PASSENGER
RAILWAYS
These are designed to carry people, typically between cities,
across regions, or even countries. They include long-distance
services and local commuter trains.
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THEY INCLUDE VARIOUS SUBCATEGORIES
BASED ON THEIR PURPOSE AND SERVICE
TYPE.

COMMUTER RAIL
These systems connect suburban areas to the central
city, typically serving passengers who travel daily
between residential areas and city centers.

URBAN TRANSIT (METRO/SUBWAY/LIGHT RAIL)

These are used for short-distance travel within cities or
metropolitan areas. They operate on tracks often separate
from other traffic to avoid congestion.

TOURIST TRAINS
These trains are designed for leisure travel, offering
scenic views and a unique experience.
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FREIGHT
RAILWAYS
These systems are designed to transport goods and cargo.
Freight railways can handle a range of materials such as bulk
commodities (coal, grain, etc.), containers, and industrial
goods.
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HIGH-SPEED
RAIL (HSR)
High-speed rail refers to trains designed for fast travel, often
exceeding speeds of 155 mph (250 km/h) (International Union
of Railways). These systems are typically used for intercity
travel and are designed for efficiency, comfort, and speed,
competing with air travel over medium distances.

Shinkansen (Japan) 260 km/h (160 mph)

TGV (France) 574.8 km/h (357.2 mph)
CRH 350 km/h (220 mph) (China).
 NETWORK
CONFIGURATION
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NETWORK CONFIGURATIONS
Railway networks vary widely in structure. In urban areas, there might be metro or light rail systems
connecting cities, while long-distance rail lines are typically less frequent but designed for high-
speed or freight operations. National networks link major cities, while international networks (e.g.,
European high-speed rail) provide cross-border connectivity.

1. Geographic Layout and Route Planning

2. Track Design
3. Stations and Terminals
4. Signal Systems and Communication
5. Operational Scheduling
6. Safety Protocols
7. Environmental Considerations
 HISTORICAL
DEVELOPMENT OF
ROLLING STOCK
EVOLUTION OF RAILWAY VEHICLES.
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EVOLUTION OF RAILWAY VEHICLES.

Ensuring a fast and safe kind of transportation of people for goods has been a consistent
objective of every organized society since the beginning of human activity up to this day. It is
widely recognised that the key development of transportation includes the invention of the
wheel (3000 B.C.), developing navigation (2000 B.C. and 3000 B.C.), and the creation of
railways, automobiles, and airplanes.

Earlier than the 19th century

1550 gravure in Basel, Switzerland
Beginning of 19th century
2,200 B.C.E - the first freight train that used to carry goods in the form of wagons carried
along wagonways
September 27, 1825 first steam locomotive to carry passengers on a public railway
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EVOLUTION OF RAILWAY VEHICLES.

The advancement of railways was strongly influenced by the first industrial
revolution which included the beginning of steam power, and extensive
exploitation of coal and mines.
1830
Beginning of 20th century

Steam-powered engines reached an impressive speed test run, reaching:

125 km/h in 1850 in Great Britain

145 km/h in 1895 in France
210 km/h in 1903 in Germany
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EVOLUTION OF RAILWAY VEHICLES.

In the early 20th century, the application of electric traction allowed the
advancement of railways. In the 1950s, the use of signaling and automatic train
control improved the operations and carrying capacity of railways.

Geographic Positioning System (GPS)

Intelligence Techniques (IT)
High-speed trains
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EVOLUTION OF RAILWAY VEHICLES.

The competition in transportation grew as the other modes of transportation
such as airplanes, passenger cars, buses and trucks were already providing
transportation alternatives in all forms. Considering the pressure it occurs, it is
necessary for railways to modernise and improve in terms of speed, reduction of
costs, advanced organization, and the improvement of the services offered.

High-speed trains operating (French, 2001)

Combined transport
High-volume transport for both passengers and freight
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EVOLUTION OF RAILWAY VEHICLES.

Nevertheless, in parallel with conventional railways experimental research has
proceeded since the mid-1970s

Aerotrain - 430 km/h for the aerotrain in 1974

Magnetic Levitation systems (Maglev) - 581 km/h for the maglev in 2003
2004 Magnetic Levitation systems
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EVOLUTION OF RAILWAY VEHICLES.

After 1850, railways were essential in the First Industrial Revolution. Private
companies owned and built railways providing staff and trains. Nevertheless,
profit did not meet the expectations, leading to financial losses. In addition, in
1935, railways were essential in the economy and national security leading the
government to gain control of the railways.
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EVOLUTION OF RAILWAY VEHICLES.

1. STEAM LOCOMOTIVES 2. THE GOLDEN AGE OF RAILWAYS 3. ELECTRIFICATION AND

DIESELIZATION

4. HIGH-SPEED RAIL 5. MAGLEV TECHNOLOGY

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WHAT IS ROLLING STOCK?
It is originally referred to the vehicles that
move on a railway. It usually includes both
powered and unpowered vehicles.
Types of Rolling Stock
Locomotives
Passenger Cars
Maintenance-of-Way Equipment.
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LOCOMOTIVES
Diesel-Electric Locomotives
An electric locomotive having electric generators powered by diesel engines for the
production of its own electric power.

PNR 900 CLASS

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LOCOMOTIVES
Electric Locomotives
An electric locomotive is a locomotive powered by electricity from overhead lines, a third rail or
on-board energy storage such as a battery or a supercapacitor.
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LOCOMOTIVES
Hybrid Locomotives
A hybrid train is a locomotive, railcar or
train that uses an onboard rechargeable energy
storage system (RESS), placed between the
power source (often a diesel engine prime mover)
and the traction transmission system connected
to the wheels. Since most diesel locomotives are
diesel-eleVctric, they have all the components of
a series hybrid transmission except the storage
battery, making this a relatively simple prospect.
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LOCOMOTIVES
Hybrid Locomotives
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PASSENGER CARS

Coaches
A passenger railroad car or
passenger car also called a passenger carriage,
passenger coach is a railroad car that is
designed to carry passengers, usually giving
them space to sit on train seats
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PASSENGER CARS
EMU (Electric Multiple Unit)
An electric multiple unit or EMU is a multiple-unit train consisting of self-
propelled carriages using electricity as the motive power.
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PASSENGER CARS

DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit)

A diesel multiple unit or DMU is a
multiple-unit train powered by on-board
diesel engines. A DMU requires no separate
locomotive, as the engines are incorporated
into one or more of the carriages.
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FREIGHT CARS
BOXCARS
Boxcars can carry a wide variety of crated or palletized freight, including paper, lumber,
packaged goods, beverages and (shocker) boxes.
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FREIGHT CARS
TANKERS
A tank or tanker is a type of railroad car or rolling stock designed to transport liquid and
gaseous commodities.
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FREIGHT CARS
Hoppers
A hopper car or hopper wagon is a type of
railroad freight car that has opening doors or
gates on the underside or on the sides to
discharge its cargo. They are used to transport
loose solid bulk commodities such as coal, ore,
grain, and track ballast
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FREIGHT CARS

Flatcars
A flatcar is a piece of rolling stock that consists
of an open, flat deck mounted on trucks or
bogies at each end. Occasionally, flat cars
designed to carry extra heavy or extra- large
loads are mounted on a pair (or rarely, more) of
bogies under each end
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MAINTENANCE-OF- WAY
EQUIPMENT
Track Geometry Measurement
Systems
Track geometry measurement systems assess
the track's gauge, cross-level, and curvature.
These systems can quickly detect any
misalignments or deviations from the
standard track geometry, which can
otherwise lead to derailments or bumpy rides.
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MAINTENANCE-OF- WAY
EQUIPMENT
Ballast Regulators
These machines distribute and shape the
ballast evenly along the railway tracks. They
help maintain the track's stability by ensuring
the ballast is spread properly, which improves
drainage and reduces wear on the tracks.
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MAINTENANCE-OF- WAY
EQUIPMENT
Rail Cranes
Used for heavy lifting tasks, such as removing
and replacing sections of track or overhead
lines. They are critical for large-scale
maintenance operations that require precise
lifting and placement of heavy rail
components.
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MAINTENANCE-OF- WAY
EQUIPMENT
Track Stabilizers
Track stabilizers compact the ballast and
ensure the track is properly supported,
preventing future misalignments.
ROLLING STOCK
STANDARDS AND
REGULATIONS
SAFETY STANDARDS
INDUSTRY REGULATIONS
FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION
EUROPEAN STANDARDS
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ROLLING STOCK STANDARDS
AND REGULATIONS
For railroad manufacturers, following rolling stock engineering
safety regulations is a challenging but necessary obligation.
Manufacturers need to be sure that their rolling stocks meet the
highest safety standards by learning about the legal framework,
aligning with international standards, evaluating risks, and
prioritizing passenger’s safety.
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Federal Railroad Administration
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) executes its regulatory and inspection
responsibilities through a diverse staff of railroad safety experts. The staff includes nearly
400 Federal safety inspectors who specialize in one of six technical fields focusing on
compliance and enforcement in:

Grade Crossings
Hazardous Materials
Motive Power and Equipment
Operating Practices
Signal and Train Control
Track
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Federal Railroad Administration
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is the regulatory
authority in charge of rail. To protect both passengers and freight,
the FRA established comprehensive rules that control rolling stock
design, construction, maintenance, and operation. These rules are
listed in Parts 200–299 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR), which outlines a number of safety
requirements that apply to railroad operations.
 Clearance Requirements 4
The rolling stock shall be designed to meet all applicable clearance requirements of the
railroad. The railroad shall make its clearance diagrams available to FRA upon request.

Clearance above the rail's top.

Except for the wheels, sander tips, wheel guards, and other parts that are intended to be
in the wheel's path—that is, above the rail and aligned inside the wheel width path—no
part or appliance of a trainset needs to be less than 60 mm (2.36 inches) above the top of
the rail.
 Clearance Requirements 4
Obstacle deflector
(Train model with two types of obstacle deflectors (C1 is a salient obstacle deflector (SOD)
and C2 is an internal oblique type obstacle deflector (IOOD)).

An obstacle deflector that covers both track rails must be installed on the leading end of a
trainset. The obstacle deflector's minimum and maximum clearances above the rail are 76
mm (3 inches) and 229 mm (9 inches), respectively.
 Clearance Requirements 4
Flexible wheel guards.

Trainsets must have flexible wheel guards on the lead axle that are installed on the bogie
below the primary suspension and have a maximum clearance of 15 mm (0.59 inch) above
the rail.
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Trainset Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance
Requirements.
All passenger trainsets must undergo thorough safety inspections by trained personnel
assigned by the railroad on a regular basis, according to the inspection program for the
rolling stock of this section. At least in some way, and in addition to the annual tests that
event recorders must undergo in order to receive FRA approval. With every trainset, the
following tasks must be completed:

Pre-service inspections. Training and qualification program.

Regular inspections. Reporting and tracking of repairs to defective trainsets.
Bogie inspections Retention of records.
General overhaul. Availability of records
Maintenance intervals Brake system repair points.
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European Standards for Rolling Stocks
The International Union of Railways manages the European Institute of Rail Research
(ERRI). Its mission is to plan and coordinate research and testing processes that enhance
railway technology. The following five categories include the topics that were
investigated:

❖ Traction, signaling, telecommunications; ROLLING STOCK; Interaction between rolling

stock and track; Track, bridges, tunnels; and Materials’ technology.
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European Standards for Rolling Stocks
The European Railway Agency (ERA). In order to promote more cooperation between the
EU's countries that participate in the railway industry, the European Railway Agency was
created to accomplish the following duties for:

European railways' cooperation on safety, interoperability, and standard of service,

Setting common guidelines and strategies.
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Engineering Systems
22%

Market Share
Distribution in the Rail
Industry
Over the past decade, the global rail market
was divided into:

Rolling Stock
78%
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Global Rolling Stock Market and Major
Manufacturers
The rolling stock market was valued at €44.9 billion in 2009 and was projected to grow to
€53.3 billion by 2016. Some of the major rolling stock manufacturers and their market shares
in 2009 were:
Bombardier (absorbed ABB): 23%
Alstom (absorbed Fiat Ferroviaria): 14%
China South Locomotive & Rolling Stock Corporation (CSR): 14%
Siemens: 11.5%
China North Locomotive and Rolling Stock Industry Corporation (CNR): 11%
General Electric: 7.5%
Kawasaki: 5%
Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF, Spain): 5%
Transmashholding (Russia): 4%
Other Companies: 5%
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Global Rolling Stock Market and Major
Manufacturers
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Shift in the Rail Industry from Western
Europe to Asia
For many decades, Western Europe was the dominant market for
rail industry products, particularly in high-speed rail technology.
Countries like France, Germany, and Spain were pioneers in
developing world-class rail networks. However, in recent years,
China, South Korea, Taiwan, and other Asian countries have
aggressively expanded their rail infrastructure.
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Shift in the Rail Industry from Western
Europe to Asia
Reasons for this shift include:
Massive investment in high-speed rail (HSR) – China, for instance, built the world’s
largest high-speed rail network, exceeding 42,000 km as of 2023.

Urbanization and population growth – Asia’s rapidly growing cities require efficient
metro and rail systems.

Government policies and funding – Countries like China and South Korea have prioritized
rail development to reduce road congestion and carbon emissions.

Emerging markets and demand – High-speed rail and metro systems are now in high
demand in Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East.
KEY PERFORMANCE
INDICATORS (KPI)
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KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Reliability- The capacity of rolling stock to carry out its intended purpose for a
1 specific period of time without experiencing any problems. It is frequently measured
with: Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), Failure Rate, and Service Disruptions

Availability- It refers to the proportion of time rolling stock is operational and ready
2 for service. Factors affecting availability include: Scheduled Maintenance Downtime,
Unscheduled Repairs, and Spare Parts Readiness

Maintainability- Maintainability measures how quickly and easily rolling stock can be
3 put back into service after an operational issue. Key metrics include: Mean Time to
Repair (MTTR), Corrective vs. Preventive Maintenance Ratio, and Inventory Turnaround
Time
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KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Safety- One of the most important KPIs for assessing the risks involved in rolling
4 stock operations is safety. It includes: Incident and Accident Rates, Compliance with
Safety Regulations, and Emergency Response Time

Utilization- Rolling stock utilization measures for how effectively it is used in

5 operations. It is assessed by: Kilometers Operated per Day, Seat Occupancy Rat
e, and Cargo Load Factor

Cost- One important KPI to guarantee financial sustainability is cost effectiveness.

6 The following methods are used to analyze rolling stock cost performance: Total Cost
of Ownership (TCO), Cost per Kilometer, and Energy Consumption
 LIFECYCLE OF
ROLLING STOCK
DESIGN
PROCUREMENT
OPERATION
MAINTENANCE
DISPOSAL
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LIFECYCLE OF ROLLING STOCK
The lifecycle of rolling stock (rail vehicles, including
trains, trams, and locomotives) encompasses several
stages, from design and procurement to operation,
maintenance, and eventual disposal. Each stage is
crucial for ensuring safety, performance, cost-
efficiency, and compliance with various regulatory
standards.
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LIFECYCLE OF ROLLING STOCK
Design
This is the initial stage where the rolling stock’s specifications are
established. It involves careful planning and designing to meet operational
needs and comply with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

Procurement
This is the stage where the design is translated into a physical product. The
procurement process involves selecting suppliers and manufacturers to
produce the rolling stock.
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LIFECYCLE OF ROLLING STOCK

Operation
Once the rolling stock is delivered, it enters service. This phase involves
operating the trains, trams, or locomotives in daily service, typically
focusing on either passenger transport or freight hauling.
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LIFECYCLE OF ROLLING STOCK
Maintenance
Ongoing maintenance is essential to extend the life of the rolling stock,
ensuring reliability, performance, and safety.

Disposal
At the end of the rolling stock’s useful life, disposal and decommissioning
involve either scrapping or recycling the vehicle, ensuring safe disposal of
materials, and adhering to environmental standards.
INTRODUCTION TO
SUSTAINABLE RAIL
AND
ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSIDERATION
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INTRODUCTION TO
SUSTAINABLE RAIL
Sustainable rail
It is a transportation system that aims to reduce environmental impact
while remaining cost-efficient. This can be achieved by using less energy,
reducing emissions, and protecting wildlife habitats.
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ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Energy efficiency
Using less energy makes rail travel more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Emissions
Replacing diesel-powered locomotives with electric trains reduces carbon emissions.

Wildlife Habitats
Protecting wildlife habitats is an important challenge for sustainable rail.

Noise Pollution
Reducing noise pollution is another challenge for sustainable rail.