Breathtaking scenery & winter conditions in Norway: PJM is testing the Beilhack snow blower from Aebi Schmidt

80 tonnes packed with sophisticated technology and one of the most beautiful railway lines in the world - these are the ingredients for a vehicle test by PJM in northern Europe. The Austrian measurement technology specialist was commissioned to test the brakes and acoustics of the Schmidt Beilhack HB 1100S, which will be used by Bane NOR in the future.

The track tests for the brakes were carried out in accordance with TSI LOC&PAS:2024, EN14033-1:2014 and NNTR-NOR. The first tests took place between autumn 2024 and April 2025 in a wide variety of weather scenarios and included, among other things:

  • Wheel slide protection tests to determine braking distance and braking performance in Holmenstrand
  • Steep gradient track tests on the Flam Railway and further test runs between Finse and Voss. The Flam Railway is one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and is one of Norway‘s main tourist attractions. From a railway engineering perspective, the gradient is particularly interesting: the maximum gradient is 55 ‰.

Furthermore, PJM was commissioned to carry out acoustic measurements for employment protection (health and safety requirements). These tests will be carried out in autumn.

‘The tests for the approval of Aebi Schmidt‘s high-performance snow blower are another project for PJM involving special rail vehicles and railway construction machines. In recent years, we have tested various well-known special vehicles for approval in many parts of Europe,’ says Martin Joch, CEO of PJ Messtechnik GmbH.

 

Press release

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Stronger together: PJM and Ingenieurbüro Rörden combine their expertise and found EMC Rail Services

Two industry experts are joining forces: Ingenieurbüro Rörden and PJM have launched the subsidiary EMC Rail Services GmbH. The German company is a specialist in EMC testing in the rail sector, and the Austrian company PJ Messtechnik is an established testing centre for rail vehicles. Now, they have bundled their expertise and thus create an even more powerful testing service. The focus of the newly founded EMC Rail Services are EMC measurements (electromagnetic compatibility).

EMC tests ensure that electrical and electronic systems work without interference both in the vehicle (e.g. locomotive, wagon) and with the infrastructure (e.g. level crossing system, railway radio, signalling). This ensures that no unauthorized electromagnetic interference occurs and that the systems are protected from external influences.

Safety and operational reliability have top priority in rail operations. Electromagnetic interference must never trigger false signals or lead to the failure of critical systems such as brakes. At the same time, modern rail systems are becoming increasingly complex and electronic. As a result, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is becoming increasingly important - and with it the need for testing services.

This is where EMC Rail Services provides its services: Ingenieurbüro Rörden GmbH, based in Dortmund (Germany), is an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited test centre and has extensive expertise in measurement technology, approval support and technical testing in the field of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). PJ Messtechnik GmbH, based in Graz (AT), is an accredited test centre confirmed by ISO/IEC 17025 standard for brake tests, vehicle dynamics, fatigue strength, aerodynamics, acoustics and pantographs.

The partnership allows two testing laboratories to combine their service portfolios and pool expertise and resources, thus creating a clear advantage for customers. The focus is on the Austrian market as well as the neighbouring countries to the south and east. The new company's testing services include:

  • Radiated electromagnetic disturbances
  • Radio protection
  • Human exposure
  • Compatibility with track circuits
  • Compatibility with axle counters / sensors

 

Press Release

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PJM tests double-decker trains from Stadler Rail

Austrian passenger transport will be enriched by the KISS double-decker train from Stadler Rail in the future. As an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited test center, PJM is making a decisive contribution to this with tests on the pantograph and oscillations measurements.

Until the end of January, PJM carried out dynamic track tests in accordance with EN 50317 in the pantograph area on Stadler Rail's KISS double-decker train. The measurements were carried out in multiple traction. The vehicle data and data from two pantographs were recorded synchronously. This has enabled a seamless transition from the development and establishment of the new test area for complex pantograph measurements to the realization of a specific project. 

The double-decker multiple-unit train will undergo further test runs. Since February, the rail vehicle have been tested for torsional vibrations. Eight telemetry systems are used to determine and record the strains on the wheelsets. The barrier-free double-decker multiple-unit trains with a large passenger capacity will be used throughout Austria for ÖBB's local and long-distance services.

Get more details in the press release

 

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PJM tested MPV®-VentuS® of WINDHOFF

WINDHOFF relied on PJM's experience and expertise to test an innovative, modular multi-purpose vehicle within a short time frame.

The German specialist for rail vehicles, railway and shunting technology has developed the next generation of a multi-purpose vehicle. WINDHOFF Bahn- und Anlagentechnik GmbH had commissioned the Austrian system specialist PJM to carry out the test runs for approval on the German rail network. As an accredited test center in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025, PJM carried out vehicle tests in the areas of braking and running characteristics as well as static tests to determine derailment safety and wheelset torsional vibrations.

MPV®-VentuS® is a modular system that can be used to create a wide variety of vehicle configurations. The range of working modules includes various cranes, platforms, contact wire pusher, but also containers or contact wire measuring systems. The power system also has a modular design so that adjustments can be made very easily over the course of the vehicle's service life and, for example, a vehicle that is currently diesel-electric with a generator and electric motor can be converted to all-electric at a later date. The MPV®-VentuS® vehicle family is designed on the basis of DIN EN 14033 and authorized with the European TSI homologation. The MPV®-VentuS® type GAF, which was tested together with PJM in Austria last year, is a track maintenance vehicle for Deutsche Bahn (DB). The vehicle was officially presented at InnoTrans 2024, and in February 2025 Windhoff and DB received authorisation to place the MPV VenuS GAF modular ancillary vehicle on the market. The vehicle is approved on the basis of the European TSI from the 4th railway package.

 ‘It is important to us, to complete our customers’ projects just in time and successfully. For WINDHOFF too, we were able to carry out the vehicle tests and analyses within a short time frame,’ says Martin Joch, CEO of PJ Messtechnik GmbH.

Press release

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PJM Tests for Windhoff @Karl Heinz Ferk-klein

New test area: PJM accredited for pantograph

PJM has expanded its scope as an accredited test center in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 and now also tests the dynamic interaction between pantograph and overhead contact line. In addition to measurements in accordance with EN 50317, the accreditation also includes simulations in accordance with EN 50318, making PJM the only company in Austria with accreditation for the specialist area of pantographs.

Over the past two years, the Austrian system specialist has invested in the infrastructure of the new department. The pantograph test rig for calibrating the measuring system - as well as the technical equipment for other areas - has been set up at the company's site in Graz. Extensive tests in the wind tunnel have proven that the measuring system is non-reactive. With the existing measuring equipment, tests can be carried out with up to two measuring pantographs, which means that multiple-unit operations can also be realised. The requirements for the interaction between pantographs and the overhead contact line system of the new service jet for ÖBB had been tested in summer (as announced in the media release: https://pjm.co.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/PI-PJM-Servicejet-6-2024-DE-Web2.pdf). In the coming weeks, the measurement technology team will be testing another rail vehicle in single and multiple-unit operations.

‘Due to decarbonisation, the focus will be on electric rail vehicles in the future. With its corresponding expertise and infrastructure, PJM is ideally positioned for the new specialist area,’ says Martin Joch, CEO of PJ Messtechnik GmbH. With the new specialist area, PJM offers several advantages for clients, such as the efficient sequence of the various tests for rail vehicles. The expertise in the area of simulations offers particular added value: ‘Simulations significantly minimise the testing effort for multiple tractions. Theoretical calculations allow the large number of variants to be reduced to relevant train combinations, which are then tested in dynamic track tests. This saves valuable time and reduces costs,’ says Martin Joch.

Get more details in the media release

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InnoTrans 2024: For the first time, PJM is presented with 4 companies

PJM will be presenting itself four times at this year's industry highlight. PJ Messtechnik, PJ Monitoring, PJ Motion and RCC will be represented with their areas of expertise.

With these 4 business areas, PJM is now a strong partner throughout the entire life cycle of a rail vehicle and can take on all tasks relating to the authorization of rail vehicles. The range of services includes consulting from the initial idea and authorization management by PJ Motion, engineering and vehicle testing by PJ Messtechnik, and the portfolio as an accredited inspection body by RCC. The portfolio is supplemented by digital applications for goods trains such as automatic brake testing or the most comprehensive smart train functions currently available in the freight wagon sector. ‘Through organic, sustainable growth and the consistent expansion of infrastructure and specialist areas, PJM has firmly established in the rail industry. This is reflected, among other things, in the fact that larger project volumes are being commissioned in the area of vehicle testing and engineering,’ says Martin Joch, CEO of PJ Messtechnik.

The automatic brake testing and smart train functionalities provided by PJ Monitoring are attractive applications in the freight wagon sector: ‘Our brake testing system is of great interest to large rail transport companies, smaller private railways and also wagon keepers, as it solves several key problems. Train preparation is shortened and the shortage of skilled labor as well as increasing costs due to higher personnel expenses and inflation are significantly cushioned. The system saves time and money and creates efficiency - all of which is urgently needed in rail transport,’ says Günter Petschnig, CEO of PJ Monitoring.

PJ Motion is the youngest company in the PJM group, but has already established itself as a renowned partner after just one year, particularly in authorization management. ‘The focus of our projects is clearly on authorization management. Our expertise in the 4th railway package is in hight demand because we can reduce complexity and provide objective decision-making support in terms of technical and economic challenges,’ says Thomas Hofer, CEO of PJ Motion.

PJM at InnoTrans: City Cube/ Hall A / 220

The automatic brake test and the WaggonTracker system will also be showcased on various freight wagons in the outdoor area:

  • TATRAVAGÓNKA a.s., T4 / 60
    Load Monitoring System: TransAnt GmbH, T8 / 60
    WaggonTracker system: Erciyas Rail Raylı Ulaşım Araçları San. A.Ş: T2 / 17
PJM-Innotrans-2024

PJ Messtechnik

  • Accredited test center ISO/IEC 17025 including the test areas running behavior, fatigue strength, brakes, acoustics, aerodynamics, pantograph (new test area)
  • Engineering / design CAD, calculation FEM, simulation MBS / certification AAR WABL Committee
  • Development & series production of instrumented wheelsets
  • Autonomous measuring systems for rail vehicles and infrastructure

PJ Monitoring

  • Digital rail freight transport
  • Digital overall system WaggonTracker
  • Automatic brake testing & load weight monitoring
  • Smart freight train & Europe's most intelligent goods train

PJ Motion GmbH

  • Authorisation management according to the 4th railway package
  • Project management / technical project management
  • Bid and tendering support
  • Feasibility studies
  • ECM implementation
  • Asset management 

RCC Railway Competence & Certification GmbH

  • Notified body interoperability (Notified Body) NB 2697
  • Independent assessment body (Assessment Body) AT/35/0122/0400
  • Designated body Austria (Designated Body) ID 2021-0.881.187
  • ECM certification body EIN: AT/30/0421/0001
  •  

New service jet from Stadler for ÖBB: Dynamic tests and instrumented wheelsets

ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG has procured a new fleet of rescue trains with 18 new service jets from Stadler. The low-emission and multifunctional vehicles will be in operation throughout Austria, travelling at speeds of up to 160 km/h. PJM was commissioned as an accredited test center in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 for the test runs. The dynamic tests are being carried out in co-operation with the ÖBB mechanical measurement group. PJM was also responsible for the production and development of the instrumented wheelsets. The vehicle tests for the areas of running behavior, brakes, acoustics and pantographs will take place throughout Austria and are expected to be completed in autumn 2024. For unrestricted track access in Austria, the test runs were carried out in test zone 5c, for vehicle authorization for radius curves down to 100 meters. "The instrumented wheelsets were specially developed and manufactured for these specifications in very tight curves. Our wheelsets have proven themselves in the dynamic tests," says Martin Joch, CEO of PJ Messtechnik GmbH.

The new generation of service jets required some innovations in the test runs. "Due to the new standards, these demanding tests were carried out on the ÖBB network for the first time. The results of the test runs are extremely precise and reliable and form a solid basis for evaluating the rail vehicle," says test manager Roman Schmid, ÖBB Produktion GmbH.

Video dynamic tests

Media release

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1 year in 1 minute: The PJM review 2023

Our teams worked on 90 projects, we grew and fully automated a process for the first time in the history of rail transport. A short video portrait of our numerous activities this year.

Video: Aerodynamic tests for new nightjet generation of ÖBB

The first journey of the new generation of ÖBB Nightjets is coming soon: from 10 December, the new Generation Viaggio Next Level night coaches will be in service in Austria and Germany. Rail passengers look forward to a wide range of comfort categories and technical innovations.

PJM was commissioned with the overall approval in cooperation with ÖBB. As an accredited test laboratory according to ISO/IEC 17025, the Austrian system specialist was in charge of the design and production of the measuring wheelsets as well as for the approval tests in the areas of running behavior, fatigue strength, acoustics and aerodynamics.

The aerodynamic vehicle tests were performed at speeds of over 200 km/h. In the course of these measurements, compliance with the permissible aerodynamic stresses was checked on the train platform, on the open track and in tunnels. The required boundary conditions in Austria can currently only be realised on the Westbahn line, which is why the test runs took place between Vienna and Linz.

Eco-friendly travelling comfort "Made in Austria"

Austria's railway expertise is reflected in the modern night trains. With the new Nightjets, ÖBB is expanding its role as market leader in the European night train business: Siemens Mobility was responsible for the development, the carriages were manufactured in Vienna and the bogies and wheelsets come from Graz. PJM carried out the approval tests and the measuring wheelsets were designed and manufactured in the headquarters of Graz.

Video of high speed test runs

PJM media release

Media release of ÖBB (in German language)

 

 

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PJ Monitoring GmbH

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Austria

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