SUMMARY The validation of rail vehicle lateral dynamic behaviour in curves is a difficult task and has been virtually neglected in the past. Forced-steering designs have been proposed to improve significantly the curving performance of rail vehicles without sacrificing stability margins. To predict the curving behaviour of these vehicles, a dynamic curving model has been developed. This computer model simulates a rail vehicle traversing a spiral transition followed by a circular curve, and features automatic generation of the equations of motion with significant non-linearities included. Validation of the model has been accomplished by comparing its results to experimental data obtained for a prototype forced-steering vehicle. The model includes 37 degrees-of-freedom with 60 suspension elements including 12 non-linear elements. Comparisons between the experimental results and the simulations corroborate the validity of the simulation model DYNCURV. Although the characteristics of the sliding pads and part...