The results of temperature measurements in the brake disc of a passenger car within the speed range of the emergency braking (40…120 km/h) are given in the article. The temperature measurements were made at the entrance, mid-range and exit of the disc from the brake lining in the direction of rolling. The diagrams of the temperature changes which depend upon braking time and running speed are presented. It is shown that maximum temperature values are in the area of disc exit from the brake lining during the rolling. The analytical dependences of the disc heating temperature upon the speed at the beginning of the braking operation are obtained.

The results of tests of the hopper brake systems for the pellets having typical system and separate braking per each bogie are presented. It is shown that the brake system with separate braking has several advantages as compared to the typical one.

The authors have constructed nomographs of dependence of the gear ratio of a lever-type braking gear on the tare of passenger and freight cars according to the calculated limit coefficient of wheel/rail clutch. It has been shown that for passenger cars with the tare of 53 to 57 ton-force, at a gear ratio 5.3, the 15% skidding reserve in the speed range of 90 to 160 km/h is not maintained. For freight cars with the tare up to 22 ton-force, at a gear ratio 5.72, the basic condition of absence of skidding is not maintained either.

Results of research of damageability of surface of wheelsets in operation, caused by the impact of brake shoes in braking are provided. Statistical characteristics of damage occurrence depending on the term of service have been received.

Results for study of the braking efficiency of tank car model 15-7140 for compliance with requirements GOST 34434-2018 are given. Research was performed using method of “throwing”, and data processing was performed using special drawn up ECM program taking into account actual tank parameters. Braking coefficients of a single car were recalculated to maximum car loading taking into account axle loading, and to minimal pressure in the braking cylinder of loaded and empty cars. It was determined that the braking distance of the train of the site of loaded tank cars model 15-7140 corresponds to the braking efficiency requirements of GOST 34434-2018 for running speeds of 90 km/h, braking distances of the empty car are within acceptable values for speeds to 120 km/h inclusive.