A system for adjusting wheel adhesion levels on multiple locomotive axles in a rail vehicle consist is provided. The system includes a first controller associated with a lead locomotive and a second controller associated with at least one trailing locomotive. A wheel adhesion level sensor is configured to detect a low wheel adhesion level at an axle and transmit that information to the first or second controller. The first controller adjusts the load being delivered to the axles by the motor in response to the low wheel adhesion level.

A friction apparatus is provided. The friction apparatus includes: a first member having a first surface; and a second member having a second surface that contacts the first surface, and moving while in contact with the first member, wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface is hardened.

A friction apparatus is provided. The friction apparatus includes: a first member having a first surface; and a second member having a second surface that contacts the first surface, and moving while in contact with the first member, wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface is hardened.

A system for adjusting wheel adhesion levels on multiple locomotive axles in a rail vehicle consist is provided. The system includes a first controller associated with a lead locomotive and a second controller associated with at least one trailing locomotive. A wheel adhesion level sensor is configured to detect a low wheel adhesion level at an axle and transmit that information to the first or second controller. The first controller adjusts the load being delivered to the axles by the motor in response to the low wheel adhesion level.

A system for adjusting wheel adhesion levels on multiple locomotive axles in a rail vehicle consist is provided. The system includes a first controller associated with a lead locomotive and a second controller associated with at least one trailing locomotive. A wheel adhesion level sensor is configured to detect a low wheel adhesion level at an axle and transmit that information to the first or second controller. The first controller adjusts the load being delivered to the axles by the motor in response to the low wheel adhesion level.

A method to determine fuel consumption, energy consumption, or both fuel consumption and energy consumption, during one test train run, or a plurality of test train runs, that is associated with modifying an operating parameter is provided. The method includes determining a reference fuel/energy consumption, and a cumulative ITE for one, or a plurality of reference train runs (CITE.sub.RR) over a portion of track, and correcting the reference fuel/energy consumption using the CITE.sub.RR of the one, or a plurality of reference train runs, to produce a corrected reference fuel/energy consumption value. The operating parameter is modified, and a modified fuel/energy consumption and cumulative ITE for the one, or a plurality of test train runs (CITE.sub.TR), over the portion of track is determined, and a corrected test fuel/energy consumption value is obtained by correcting the modified fuel/energy consumption using the CITE.sub.TR of the one, or a plurality of test train runs. The corrected reference fuel/energy consumption value and the test fuel/energy consumption value are then compared to determine the effect of modifying the operating parameter on the fuel/energy consumption during the one test run, or a plurality of test train runs.

A method to determine fuel consumption, energy consumption, or both fuel consumption and energy consumption, during one test train run, or a plurality of test train runs, that is associated with modifying an operating parameter is provided. The method includes determining a reference fuel/energy consumption, and a cumulative ITE for one, or a plurality of reference train runs (CITE.sub.RR) over a portion of track, and correcting the reference fuel/energy consumption using the CITE.sub.RR of the one, or a plurality of reference train runs, to produce a corrected reference fuel/energy consumption value. The operating parameter is modified, and a modified fuel/energy consumption and cumulative ITE for the one, or a plurality of test train runs (CITE.sub.TR), over the portion of track is determined, and a corrected test fuel/energy consumption value is obtained by correcting the modified fuel/energy consumption using the CITE.sub.TR of the one, or a plurality of test train runs. The corrected reference fuel/energy consumption value and the test fuel/energy consumption value are then compared to determine the effect of modifying the operating parameter on the fuel/energy consumption during the one test run, or a plurality of test train runs.

Examples for a traction system are provided. In one example, the traction system includes a nozzle coupled to an air source and configured to be selectively aimed toward a determined portion of a rail surface of a rail, and a conduit configured to supply pressurized air from the air source to the nozzle, the nozzle flexibly coupled thereto. The nozzle is configured for the aim of the nozzle to be controlled to change its aiming direction in response to a change in curvature of the rail, whereby a stream of air from the nozzle impacts the determined portion during movement of the vehicle through the curvature of the rail.

Examples for a traction system are provided. In one example, the traction system includes a nozzle coupled to an air source and configured to be selectively aimed toward a determined portion of a rail surface of a rail, and a conduit configured to supply pressurized air from the air source to the nozzle, the nozzle flexibly coupled thereto. The nozzle is configured for the aim of the nozzle to be controlled to change its aiming direction in response to a change in curvature of the rail, whereby a stream of air from the nozzle impacts the determined portion during movement of the vehicle through the curvature of the rail.

An end cover assembly, an air cylinder, a tread sweeper and a railway vehicle.