GERMANY: Russian steelmaker Evraz NTMK has delivered a batch of 240 BA220 coach wheels to Deutsche Bahn for the first time, with a further 1 440 to follow this year.
The 920 mm diameter BA220 is a new product, manufactured with ER7 steel with a rim hardness of >235 HB. At DB’s request the wheels have been coated with detector paint which changes colour if it reaches a temperature which could lead to structural changes in the steel. This alerts staff, enabling the wheel to be taken out of service for inspection.
‘This is the first time we have suppled passenger wheels to the European market’, said Ilya Shirokobrod, Evraz Vice-President, Sales & Logistics, on August 24. ‘Co-operation with the German operator will bring about wider opportunities in the European market’.
