Network Rail unveils new rail grinders

by

THREE new plain line rail grinders have been launched as part of an improvement in preventative track maintenance.

They were bought by Network Rail as part of a multi-million pound investment.

Loram C44 rail grinder No. C44-03 (DR79501-507) sits inside the Colas maintenance shed, Rugby, alongside grinder No. DR79200, which it will replace. All pictures: CHRIS MILNER

The three impressive machines have cost £36million, and are the culmination of a procurement process by Network Rail’s route services division that began in 2011 with a project team who met manufacturers.

Article continues below…
Advert

Enjoy more Railway reading in the monthly magazine.
Click here to subscribe & save.

The aim was to deliver an improved solution at the best lifetime cost.

Life-expired

Network Rail signed a contract with Loram (in Minneapolis) in May 2014 to build the three C44 rail grinders, which would be modular units to replace the fleet, and at more than 25 years old was life-expired.

Article continues below…
Advert

A year later, and after tendering, Colas Rail was awarded a five-year contract to operate and maintain the grinders.

Subsequently, Colas expanded its Rugby depot with an extension to its maintenance shed to accommodate the seven-vehicle grinder.

Loram has built two four-vehicle grinders and a seven-vehicle one after it was proven this was the most consistent method of removing fatigue cracks from the rail head.

Article continues below…
Advert

These cracks, often termed as gauge corner cracking – which led to the fracture of rail that caused the Hatfield derailment in October 2000 – stem from worn, flattened railhead, with grinding maintaining the required profile.

Read more in January’s issue of The RM – on sale now!


Advert
Subscribe to The Railway Magazine
Enjoy more of The Railway Magazine reading every month. Click here to subscribe.

Railway Reads

From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.


Article Tags:

About the Author