NETHERLANDS: Heatpoint has developed synthetic insulation for use with point heaters which it says offers an average energy saving of 50%, with higher rail temperatures and thus increased turnout availability during freezing weather.
Trials in Amsterdam during February found that when Isoblock insulation was applied the rail temperature was 7°C higher than before, with the same energy consumption.
The manufacturer says the product pays for itself within three years.
GERMANY: Following successful trials of using hot water to de-ice rolling stock in winter, DB Regio has ordered two containerised heating units rated at 560 kW and 2 000 kW from Hotmobil Deutschland. DB has previously used hot air to remove up to two tonnes of ice from vehicles in ...
USA: Therm-Omega-Tech has produced a passenger rolling stock version of the self-actuating valves it supplies to prevent locomotives freezing up in winter. The PC/FP passenger car freeze protection valve does not require a power or air supply. It opens as ambient temperatures approach freezing, draining water systems to prevent damage ...
FINLAND: The first 1 524 mm gauge EMU to be built by Stadler was rolled out at the Bussnang plant in Switzerland on October 7. The four-car Flirt is part of a €190m order for 32 units placed in August 2006 by Pääkaupunkiseudun Junakalusto, a body formed by state railway ...
