Freight trains generate noise. This has to do with the fact that freight wagons - in contrast to passenger carriages - are equipped with metallic cast iron brakes. During braking, the running surface of the wheels roughen. This leads to an unpleasant rolling noise being created by the wheel in contact with the rail. We have covered this in detail in a previous blog post.
For new rail vehicles, uniform noise limits for the whole of Europe have been specified in an EU regulation and these cannot be exceeded. However, this doesn't apply to old freight wagons, which were put into service before the regulation came into force. But the Rail Cargo Group is doing its utmost to make rail freight traffic quieter and is fitting its “old” freight wagons with new, quieter brakes. The conversion process began in March 2018. One year later and there are already 2,192 wagons with low-noise brakes in operation. 2,086 further wagons will follow this year until there are a total of 7,279 wagons operating with reduced noise by the end of 2020.
Why is the conversion process taking so long?
Not all freight wagons can be converted at the same time. The process consists of four categories and conversion also depends on the type of freight wagon in question. Plus it isn’t only the brake blocks that are being replaced. Depending on the type of vehicle, additional technical or retrofitting measures are required. The conversion project is being carried out within the framework of planned maintenance work in ÖBB workshops. This means that seamless rail freight transport can be ensured during the conversion period.
How loud is loud?
Sound levels indicate how loud a sound is and this is measured in decibels (dB). Whether a noise is considered disturbing is subjective and is dependent on several factors. Hearing can be damaged at very high volumes. A normal conversation measures between 50 and 60 dB. Traffic noise becomes uncomfortable at 80 dB. We all know the noise a pneumatic drill makes when we pass by a construction site – the sound level here is around 100 dB. Heavy goods trucks and rail freight traffic come in at 90 dB. Trains operating with so called “whisper” brakes create less noise – and by up to ten dB. This means trains then generate about half the noise of standard wagons with cast iron brakes.
