SUW 2000

SUW 2000 is a type of variable gauge system that allows a train to travel across a railway break-of-gauge. 

The SUW 2000 design is manufactured by Polish company ZNTK Poznań for Polish State Railways (PKP).  It is used at two border stations, enabling trains to Lithuania and Ukraine to proceed without the need for lengthy bogie exchange. 

Similar, but incompatible, systems are produced by Talgo (Talgo-RD) and Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF-BRAVA).   The SUW 2000 is interoperable only with Rafil Type V systems. 

, a single SUW 2000 bogie cost the equivalent of $42,000. 

Routes 
The following interchange and break-of-gauge locations were fitted with a SUW 2000-compatible track gauge changing facility, allowing trains crossing those routes to be fitted for gauge-changing, rather than bogie-replacement:

Installed  - 
   Mockava, Lithuania
   Brest, Belarus
   Mostyska, Ukraine

The SUW 2000 method of variable gauge system was designed by Ryszard Suwalski. 

See also 
 Trans-Asian Railway

References

External links 
 ZNTK-supplied 4RS/N bogie, a variable gauge wheelset
 South East Europe Transport Observatory (SEETO) with maps and picture of SUW 2000 system
Picture of transfer track/SUW 2000 wheelset, from  bearing supplier Schaeffer
 East West Conference 1435/1520
 1435/1520 Seminar 2005. 
  Sirts 
 Experience of SUW 2000 in operation
 ZNTK data sheet about SUW 2000 VGA
 Diagram showing operation of Spanish Talgo (not SUW 2000) gauge changing facility (dead link as of 8/16/11)

Category:International rail transport
Category:Track gauges