NZ334747A - Lightweight rail vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

A braking system is disclosed for vehicles which are adapted for use on a rail or rails. Such vehicles are preferably a light rail vehicle. The braking system comprises means which can be lowered onto the rail or rails thereby cutting a piece such as a metal cutting off the rail or all rails. The vehicle is therefore rapidly decelerated and this is useful in emergency situations. The means to permit the vehicle to be lowered first lowers the trailing end of the vehicle before lowering the leading end. Another aspect consists in a vehicle comprising a first unit having linked thereto by flexible linking means a second unit. Said first and second units having attached therebetween a wheel or wheels. Said wheels are pivotally attached to both said first and second units such that when the vehicle is cornering or said first or second units otherwise displaced relative to each other the angle between the first and second units is bisected by a nominal line passing through the axle of said wheel or wheels. The wheels can also pivot with respect to their respective axle so that toe-in of the wheels can be adjusted. There is also disclosed a means to give an indication of the loading of the rail vehicle and to provide a display outside each carriage unit of the occupancy of each carriage.