BS EN 17997:2025 Railway Applications: Braking - Definition of ETCS Brake Curve Parameters for Gammatrains

Introducing the BS EN 17997:2025, a comprehensive standard that is pivotal for the railway industry, specifically focusing on the braking systems of Gammatrains. This standard is an essential resource for engineers, designers, and safety experts involved in the development and maintenance of railway systems.

Overview

The BS EN 17997:2025 standard provides a detailed framework for the definition of ETCS (European Train Control System) brake curve parameters. This is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of Gammatrains, which are a significant component of modern railway networks. With the increasing demand for high-speed and reliable train services, this standard plays a vital role in harmonizing braking systems across different railway applications.

Key Features

• Standard Number: BS EN 17997:2025
• Pages: 120
• Release Date: January 17, 2025
• ISBN: 978 0 539 25637 6
• Status: Standard

Importance of ETCS Brake Curve Parameters

The ETCS brake curve parameters are critical for the safe operation of trains. They define the braking performance required to stop a train within a specified distance under various conditions. This includes considerations for speed, gradient, and train load. By standardizing these parameters, the BS EN 17997:2025 ensures that Gammatrains can operate safely and efficiently across different rail networks.

Benefits of Implementing BS EN 17997:2025

Implementing the BS EN 17997:2025 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Safety: By providing a clear definition of brake curve parameters, this standard helps prevent accidents and ensures the safety of passengers and cargo.
• Operational Efficiency: Standardized braking parameters allow for smoother and more efficient train operations, reducing delays and improving service reliability.
• Interoperability: The standard facilitates interoperability between different railway systems, enabling seamless integration of Gammatrains into existing networks.
• Cost Savings: By reducing the need for custom solutions and modifications, the standard helps lower development and maintenance costs.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 17997:2025 is designed for a wide range of professionals in the railway industry, including:

• Railway Engineers: To design and implement effective braking systems for Gammatrains.
• Safety Experts: To ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.
• Train Operators: To optimize train performance and enhance passenger experience.
• Regulatory Bodies: To establish and enforce safety and performance standards.

Comprehensive Content

With 120 pages of detailed information, the BS EN 17997:2025 covers all aspects of ETCS brake curve parameters for Gammatrains. It includes technical specifications, guidelines for implementation, and best practices for maintenance and operation. This makes it an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the railway industry.

Conclusion

The BS EN 17997:2025 is an essential standard for the railway industry, providing a robust framework for the definition of ETCS brake curve parameters for Gammatrains. By implementing this standard, railway operators can enhance safety, improve operational efficiency, and ensure interoperability across different networks. Whether you are an engineer, safety expert, or train operator, this standard is a must-have resource for ensuring the success and reliability of your railway operations.

BS EN 17997:2025

This standard BS EN 17997:2025 Railway applications. Braking. Definition of ETCS brake curve parameters for Gammatrains is classified in these ICS categories:

• 45.060 Railway rolling stock
• 45.060.01 Railway rolling stock in general

This document specifies the methodology to define the train related braking model and required emergency and service brake on-board parameters to enable speed and distance monitoring for trains equipped and operated on railway lines using ETCS Baseline 3. This document is only applicable for ETCS Gamma braking model trains (i.e. the train is said to be a “gamma” train). This document does not specify the way these parameters are transferred to and can be used by the ETCS on-board system (e.g. during start of mission - SoM). The ETCS “conversion models” are not covered by this document and are described in EN 16834:2019, Annex F. The ETCS “conversion models” are intended for use with trains where the braking performance is expressed using braked weight percentages (“lambda” train). Any trackside related input parameters, including national values, are not covered in this document. Information can be found in the SUBSET-026 (see [11]).