The reporter has raised a concern in relation to bogie defects on [model] passenger trains owned and maintained by [Operator].
The reporter states there is a defect with the bogie centre casting housing and the king/queen casting housing between the bogie and car body underframe.
The reporter is concerned about the potential safety consequence should a failure of the bogie centre casting occur, causing the bogie to ride above the rail head and subsequently derail.
The operator advised that all the [model] power cars have been fitted with new centre pin castings within the past five years. The new centre pins were subjected to rigorous dimensional checks and non‑destructive testing including x-ray, ultrasonic testing (UT) and magnetic particle examination (MPE) at the time of manufacture and MPE at each bogie overhaul. There have been no detected flaws in any of the centre pins fitted to the [model] power cars which could affect the safety of the [model] power car. A sample of the MPE reports at bogie overhaul, was provided to the ATSB and ONRSR.
The operator conducts regular monitoring of the [model] power cars and acknowledges that lateral and vertical movements can be felt in the driver's cab when the [model] power car traverses sections of rough track, however the maximum movement does not pose a risk for the [model] derailing.
The operator has provided maintenance testing and inspection documentation.
ONRSR is aware of the issues outlined in the report about [model] passenger train bogie defects. ONRSR notes the rail transport operator asserts the centre pins castings are safe for use and ONRSR’s technical team have reviewed the program of work that was implemented through a series of interactions.
ONRSR has planned regulatory activities to assess the practices of the rolling stock operator relating to asset management including the keeping of records.
Additionally, ONRSR has conducted inspections of the rail infrastructure to assess its suitability for the rollingstock.