Track Geometry
There are a number of approaches to this vital – perhaps the most important – aspect of track maintenance.
Costs are quite variable and largely are relative to the means chosen for delivery. For instance, a hi-rail is considerably cheaper than a large recording car and provides greater flexibility, whilst still producing very comparable results in track geometry assessment.. However, the recording car can cover territory more quickly than a Hi-Rail, therefore productivity over a larger distance is an issue.
The Hi-Rail is more flexible and can depart one track and move to another quite rapidly. A Hi-Rail can drive to a remote site and put-on track most often quicker than a rail-bound vehicle could attend.
An argument exists that a rail-bound vehicle, particularly a locomotive, will exert a greater load than say, a Hi-Rail and accordingly better determine the true state of a track’s structure. Practice however, seems to indicate that geometry determined by a Hi-Rail based system will identify most track deformations and wallows or mud-holes revealed by additional weight, should already be visible to a practiced observer.
Arising from a varying needs-based industry, RailTrak Systems can provide systems to meet any need dealing with collection of geometry and we recognize the requirement can vary in different circumstances.
Whether the preference is for Hi-Rail, Locomotive, Rolling stock or Recording Car, RailTrak can provide alternatives and recommendations as to how the benefits can be maximised.
We look forward to assisting.