New generation of high performance point activating machines for faster and heavier trains being installed on UK's railways.
One of the biggest causes of delays and disruption to the UK rail network is the ubiquitous ‘points failure’. With the ever-increasing volume, speed and weight of modern trains, point activation technology has struggled to keep pace with 21st century demands. In recent years, a new generation of high performance, maintenance-free, electro-mechanical point systems has appeared on Britain’s railways with a projected life of 25 years, highly innovative technical features and the ability to save millions of pounds caused by train delays. A set of points (also called a switch or turnout) is a mechanical device enabling trains to change direction from one track to another at a railway junction. The points are usually operated remotely by a signaller or line controller and are powered by electrical (sometimes hydraulic or pneumatic) motors. Regular maintenance programmes are vital to the correct operation and setting of points and are absolutely essential to the safe running of any railway. If the points fail to work correctly, the signals are designed remain at red. Most points are intended to be traversed at lower speeds but special points are installed for the safe transit of trains on high speed railways.
Size: 3312px × 3312px
Location: Greater London, UK.
Photo credit: © qaphotos.com / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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