Article: The type approval for the 745.0 GAF-Klein series is here!
DB InfraGO AG commissioned Geismar Gleisbaumaschinen to provide modern track maintenance vehicles in order to meet the considerable increase in construction activities, especially as part of the general renovation of the German rail network. The vehicles from the French company are designed and manufactured at the Italian plant.
In 2018, DB Systemtechnik was tasked with providing a comprehensive package: from planning and performing all acceptance tests, approval management, assessment of safety-critical installations and software, certification by the interim DeBo of DB Systemtechnik, to the safety assessment by the Assessment Body (AsBo).
Right from the start, the project team faced numerous challenges. In particular, the multiple changes in the national and European regulatory framework required a high degree of flexibility and commitment. The newly established Railway Approvals Germany was responsible for certification in the project as Notified Body (NoBo) and Designated Body (DeBo).
Expertise from a single source A special feature of the project was that DB Systemtechnik could provide all required services from a single source. These included:
- Developing and managing an approval strategy
- Planning and carrying out all approval tests for the disciplines of braking, running dynamics, torsion, EMC, and acoustics
- Performing test runs and inspections in the role of railway operator (EVU)
- Assessing regulated installations such as compressed air and oil hydraulic systems, batteries, and hydraulic systems
- Assessing the software
- Carrying out the safety assessment by the Assessment Body (AsBo)
Furthermore, many DB Systemtechnik colleagues worked as inspectors for Railway Approvals Germany in areas including running dynamics, vehicle structure, chassis, brake systems, windows, power supply and EMC, environmental protection, as well as vehicle gauge and markings.
An experienced project management team coordinated all partners and involved parties, ensuring the smooth running of the entire project.
Living Europe
This project embodies genuine European cooperation: a French company, Italian expertise and production, German approval, and a team of colleagues from various nations fostered a strong sense of community. The close collaboration with all involved and the efficient coordination of all competencies by DB Systemtechnik and Railway Approvals Germany, as well as the commitment of the Geismar project team in Italy and Germany, were key success factors.
The achieved type approval for Geismar’s 745.0 GAF-Klein series once again highlights the competence and reliability of DB Systemtechnik and Railway Approvals Germany as partners for challenging approval and inspection projects in the European rail market.
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