The objective of the project was to determine though inspection and analysis if axle boxes currently fitted to a sample population of Network Rail VNH-1 and Y-33 bogie wheelsets are to specification, and, if not, recommend actions to be taken.
About the project
Network Rail identified through their own inspections that a number of maintenance wagons had been fitted with incorrect axle boxes, raising concerns about their compatibility and safety for use with the bogies to which they were fitted.
This project involved a detailed investigation, inspection and evaluation of axle box configurations installed on a sample population of VNH-1 and Y33 bogies used on Network Rail maintenance wagons to determine if to specification and subsequently to issue a report detailing the methodology applied, the observations made and recommendations of corrective actions required.
Scope of work
- Inspection: Through visual inspection, determined the ‘as-built’ configuration status of axle boxes currently fitted to a sample population of Y33 and VNH-1 wheelsets fitted to Network Rail Infrastructure maintenance wagons.
- Configuration Checks: Through assessment, analysis and verification of visual inspection results against Network Rail wheelset configuration documentation.
- Interchangeability Analysis: Through assessment, analysis and verification of visual inspection results, determined compatibility and interchangeability of the fitted axle boxes with the Y33 and VNH-1 wheelsets.
- Compliance Verification: Verified the inspected wheelset and axle box configurations against industry standards such as UIC 500, UIC 510, UIC 517, UIC 583, UIC 840 and UIC 920 for railway rolling stock applications, OEM specifications and manufacturing drawings and Network Rail wheelset O&M documentation and records.
- Reporting and Recommendations: Delivered a detailed report with inspection, assessment, analysis and verification findings, conclusions, and recommendations for inspection, quarantining, replacement and configuration control of wheelset components.
Challenges Addressed
- A number of wheelsets were of unknown provenance and configuration
- Not all axle boxes inspected had visible manufacturer markings or identification codes.
- Several wheelsets inspected had very different axle box and wheelset configurations using component parts which were not compatible or interchangeable and hence not compliant with the wheelset datasheet or the OEM instructions/drawings.
- Network Rail wheelset configuration records provided for the assessment had not been maintained hence not showing current/latest configuration status of wheelsets inspected.
- OEM drawings and datasheets and Network Rail drawings and datasheets of the same part number are not fully aligned (e.g. dimensional differences, manufacturer marking differences).
Outcome
Our report provides Network Rail with recommended actions for audit/investigation of the wheelset supplier(s) to assess the control and care of axle boxes during wheelset overhaul in addition to recommended actions supporting the management, inspection and maintenance of rolling stock wheelset configuration data and O&M documentation extending their service life and enhancing the safety and reliability of the railway system.
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Client
Network Rail
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Period
10th June 2024 – 4th July 2024
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Location
Network Rail Holgate Depot, York, UK
Our services in the project
