It is a known fact that coated rails contribute to a longer lifespan of the tracks, with thanks to extensive and successful tests on different (both national and international) locations. But the question rises how to maintain the quality of the coated rails at crossroads where the current baseplate offers insufficient space for a smooth installation. The renewal of a level crossing requires absolute precision and time is of the essence. A familiar problem to all who work in the railway industry. In the Netherlands, we tackled this problem by developing a special fastening system for the 54E1 coated rails, with an adjusted size of the bed.
Corrosion control is of the utmost importance, not just in the Netherlands. Corrosion shortens the lifespan of the rails extensively. In some cases, this can even lead to some hazardous situations. It is therefore extremely important that the coating of the coated rails remains undamaged in order to secure safe and reliable tracks.
When a coated rails is placed inside the tracks, it’s supposed to fall exactly within the bed of the baseplates. In the Netherlands, this turned out to be a lot more complicated, especially considering the fact that the coated 54E1 rails can become wider at the foot, due to the coating. In order to prevent corrosion and protect the coating, we decided to adjust the size of the bed of the standard used baseplate, the so-called type 2C fastening system. By creating more space, the coated rails can easily and without damage be inserted/installed. In addition, we also added a plastic isolation plate (407461) to the system. This exact same plate has also been successfully used for quite some time with our NRG insulated rail joints.
This specific issue required a specific solution, since in the Netherlands, the 54E1 rails is used most often. Working close with the contractors to specify the problem, we were able to adjust the type 2C fastening system so that the coated rails remains protected from any clamping or scraping. This results in a guaranteed quality assurance of the coated rails as well as a longer lifespan of the system. This redesigned baseplate in particular is applicable to the 14002 (type 2) sleepers as well as the plastic sleepers of recycled material. Now that we managed to develop a tailor made solution, we can now apply this knowledge to other types of rails and sleepers as well. That is why we aim to work closely with our clients and not just expand the portfolio, but deliver the right solution as well.
If you would like more information on this system or perhaps collaborate with us in order to create a similar solution for your type of rails/sleepers, feel free to contact us directly.