Moving forward in rail innovation with MxV Rail’s new test tracks

MxV Rail has new state-of-the-art test tracks designed to meet the rail industry’s stringent standards: the Curving Performance Track (CPT) and the Suspension Resonance Track (SRT). With these added capabilities, MxV Rail continues to solidify its position as a global leader in rail testing, technology, and evaluation.

“We’re glad to have these new CPT and SRT test capabilities for the industry,” said Maureen Werner, VP of Engineering. “Freight railroads and rail car manufacturers are our primary users. We help test their equipment and make sure it’s performing properly. We also have passenger car and locomotive research. Those teams find they collect good data here and can validate their models.”

Curving Performance Track (CPT)

The CPT is engineered to evaluate the curving performance of vehicles and their components. With unlimited opportunities to study wheel-rail interactions, this track aids in the meticulous testing required to meet AAR standards. Key features include:

• 3- to 12-degree curves
• Dynamic curving tests
• Traction ratio testing
• Chapter 11 and M-976 standards

Suspension Resonance Track (SRT)

The SRT is a versatile multi-use track that features three unique testing zones designed to evaluate railcar performance over known track defects. These zones include:

1. Pitch and Bounce

• 0 -to 0.75-inch vertical profile
• 10 sections
• 39-foot wavelengths

1. Twist and Roll

• Cross-level deviations
• 75 inch on each rail
• 10- to 70-mile per hour test speeds

1. Adjustable Test Zone

• Custom perturbations
• Up to 2 inches laterally
• 5 inches vertically
• Yaw and Sway testing

With such comprehensive and fine-tuned capabilities, the SRT provides a robust platform for ensuring that railcar designs can handle real-world challenges.

Why MxV Rail?

Although the new CPT and SRT tracks are impressive, what truly sets MxV Rail apart is its team of over 250 rail professionals. Building on a legacy of more than four decades as the railroads’ premier advisory, MxV Rail offers end-to-end services designed to meet today’s complex rail industry challenges. From modeling and simulation to testing and evaluation, MxV Rail provides unmatched expertise.

MxV Rail’s relocation in 2022 was more than a logistical move; it was an opportunity to recalibrate the organization’s capabilities to better meet the industry’s evolving needs. The result is a cutting-edge research infrastructure that aligns with the industry’s top priority—safety.

A Legacy of Excellence

MxV Rail is a subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads.

In an industry where safety and performance are paramount, MxV Rail’s new CPT and SRT tracks represent significant advancements in rail testing capabilities. These tracks are not just about meeting standards; they are about developing new ones. By combining state-of-the-art facilities with decades of expertise, MxV Rail remains at the forefront of rail innovation.