In the Cancun workshop-depot, testing of the carriages that make up the first segment of the Maya Train continues as part of the validation program. This program verifies that the produced system meets the specifications and achieves its purpose, as reported by Maite Ramos, General Director of Alstom Mexico, during the press conference on Monday, August 21.
“The rolling jaguar is about to test its full capacity. Train two has already been delivered, and the process of static and dynamic testing is beginning (in Ciudad Sahagún, Hidalgo), similar to train one, which is currently in the Cancun workshop,” emphasized the executive as part of the progress report on the second phase of the railway project. She revealed that the third train will be delivered before the end of August.
Currently, 40 static tests are being conducted for the pneumatic system, door control, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting systems, and passenger information, among others. The goal is to ensure the correct operation of the train in all technical, mechanical, and quality aspects to ensure safe journeys.
“In the dynamic phase, tests are conducted on the train when it’s empty and at its maximum capacity. Each carriage weighs between 44 and 50 tons. It’s not the same for the train to travel 180 kilometers empty as it is to travel with its maximum load, with all the passengers on board. All of this is tested as part of the validation program,” explained the executive.
She indicated that there are also type tests and series tests (each time a different model is used). She gave an example that the current tests being conducted in Cancun are with the standard train model, which will undergo numerous evaluations. Whenever a new model is introduced, 15,000 kilometers of testing will be conducted again to ensure safety and functionality.
Train one is about to begin 20 dynamic tests, including two categories with different tests: traction and braking, and railway dynamics. The requirements for the main track during the dynamic testing are: keeping the track confined and identifying straight and level sections, as well as curves and slopes on both sides.
“This rolling jaguar is currently in an examination period, and only through evaluation can we determine if it’s ready to start its project, not only on December 1 but also on September 1 when the supervision trips will begin. We are working on a 90-kilometer test area where different conditions will be simulated to determine the appropriate speeds, identify curves, brake alerts that need to be included, and where significant slopes are present,” she detailed.
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