Train model acceleration and deceleration

In order to accelerate a heavy train model with great dimensions to a speed higher than 300 km h −1 in a moving train model testing system, compressed air is utilized to drive the train model indirectly. The gas from an air gun pushes the piston in an accelerating tube forward. The piston is connected to the trailer through a rope, and the trailer pulls the train model to the desired speed. After the testing section, the train model enters the deceleration section. The speed of the train model gradually decreases because of the braking force of the magnetic braking device on the bottom of the train model and the steel plates fixed on the floor of this device. The dissipation of kinetic energy of the trailer is also based on a similar principle. The feasibility of these methods has been examined in a 180 m-long moving train model testing system. The speed of the trailer alone reaches up to 490 km h −1 . Consequently, a 34.8 kg model accelerates up to 350 km h −1 ; the smooth and safe stopping of the model is also possible.