Every RF should know these facts about Coaches !!!
--> These Infos are taken from " SYNOPSIS OF PAPERS PRESENTED IN SEMINAR ON ‘LHB COACH AND NEW MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES’ HELD AT RCF, KAPURTHALA ON 4TH AND 5TH NOVEMBER’ 2003"
--> Please Read the full articles first then Comment :)
-------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Q1)...
more...

What are the differences between LHB and ICF Coaches ?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1)Positive interlocking has been provided between horizontal and vertical
members on LHB Coaches resulting in better strength, reduction of Side Wall
thickness and better geometrical integrity.
2)Turn under provided in ICF Coaches has been eliminated in LHB Coach,
thereby, avoiding accumulation of water and muck.
3)In LHB Coach End Wall overhangs beyond Headstock and gap between 2
coupled Coaches is 300 mm only, which results in more space inside Coach and
reduces wind resistance due to turbulence between Coaches
4)Car line (Cant Rail in Conventional ICF Coaches) is part of Sidewall unlike
ICF Coaches where it is part of Roof. This results in better rigidity of Sidewall
and positive location of Roof
5)Ferritic Steel ( X2 Cr 8) is used for manufacture of Side Wall, End Wall and
Roof Structure of LHB Coach. Austenitic Steel ( X5 Cr Ni 18 10 ) is used for
manufacture of Roof Sheet and Trough Floor of LHB Coach. LHB Coach
Underframe is manufactured from IRS M-41 /Corten Steel. The details
regarding chemical composition of above Steels used for manufacture of LHB
Coach have also been indicated
6)Provision for CBC as well as Side Buffer mounting in Headstock
7)LHB Coaches have been provided with AAR ‘H - Type’ Tight lock Centre
Buffer Couplers. These Couplers have Anti-climbing feature due to vertical
interlocking.

Separate Doorframe fitted before Sidewall in LHB Coach during fabrication,
thereby, eliminating problem of Door size/squareness etc.
----------
Comparison of LHB and ICF Coach:-
1)
Weight per Metre length of LHB Coach is approximately 10 % less than the
Conventional Coaches.

2) Better Payload to Tare Weight ratio
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Q2)What Are the Dimensions ?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Length over Buffer - ICF=22280 mm , LHB=24700 mm
Window Opening(AC)- ICF-1220 mm x 610 mm, LHB- 1180 mm x 760 mm
Inner Width- ICF- 3065 mm,LHB- 3120 mm
-------------------------------------------------- -------------
Q3) Features of LHB ?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LHB Coach Design Features ( Electrical) :
[Presented by Sri R.K.Gupta, Dy.CEE (D&D)/RCF]
1.Micro-Controller based AC Package

2.Micro- Processor based Pump Unit
3.Integrated Switch Board Cabinet

4.Provision of IGBT based Battery Charger

5.Provision of Electron Beam Irradiated Cables.
6.
Provision of DC-DC Converter for Galvanic Isolation to Switchgears
7.
Wheel Set Earthing Equipment for high life of Axle bearings.
8.
Cable Protection System with IP-68 Protection and UL-94 VO Fire Retardancy.
9.
400 Amps Inter-Vehicular Coupler (IVC).
10.
Light weight Epoxy molded Transformer

11.Provision of thin plate, light weight Lead Tin Batteries with much better
12.Charging/Discharging characteristics.
13.
Integrated Modular Pantry Unit
14.
Uniformity of Illumination as per UIC
15.
Modular and elegant interior Light Fittings and Reading Lights.
-------------------------------------------------- ------------
Q4) Body Frame of LHB ??
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Solid Welded Frame manufactured from Steel Sheets ( St – 52 )
and Forged/ Cast Parts

2 Side Frames connected by two Cross Beams support Brake Units

Bogie Frame rests on Primary Suspension Spring Units and supports
Vehicle Body by means of Bolster Beam. The Bolster Beam is
connected to Bogie Frame by Secondary Suspension.
-------------------------------------------------- ---------------
Q5) How to calculate Speed of a moving LHB train from outside?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
a) Length of Coaches are given and also in Q1 Point 3 its given that the gap between two coaches is 300m(0.3m)
So,
{Length of Coach(24.7m) + Vestibule(0.3m)} X No. of Coaches+{Loco Length (Ex- P7 =20.5)} / Seconds taken to cross. X 3.6.
This Formula will Give you answer in KmHr.
Example- If there are 14 Coaches so there would be 13 Vestibules in between and 1 between Loco and EOG. So total 14. So the number of Vestibules is eventually Equal to No. of coaches.