RAIL EQUIPMENT

Drop Tables with Automatic Positioning

A Bogie Drop Table system is required when maintenance is needed on a single bogie. This system is utilised when time or technical constraints do not allow the individual car to be separated from the main train or when maintaining locomotive wheel sets.
The train is driven over a pit containing a drop table which forms part of the running rail. Once the required bogie is over the drop table the bogie is uncoupled from the car and lowered onto the table until clear of the car. The bogie is traversed from under the train and raised to a predetermined area for repair or replacement with a new bogie set. The procedure is then reversed to re-install the bogie. A pair of support stands are used adjacent to the pit edges to support the carriage end when the bogie is removed.

Advantages

• Entire train can be maintained without uncoupling
• Minimum turn around time for change of individual bogie sets
• Low level control system required as only one moving station
• Full use of workshop can be maintained when not in use
• Suitable for any length of train
• Workshop area only requires

Security and Control Equipment Body Support

Sam Technology design and install main control systems which monitor and control the maintenance equipment used in maintenance workshops. Modem workshops are normally purpose built having equipment such as electric doors, stop and go lights, retarders, drop tables, towing systems etc. These systems are controlled from a central control panel station using PLCs. Other systems which track the history of equipment can also be provided with the system.

The In Ground Lifting Systems (Pit and Fixed Jacks)

More information

The in ground Lifting system commonly known as Pit Jacks are capable of rapidly lifting the entire train. The system aids underneath vehicle inspection. It can be
combined with bogie supports to allow the bogie sets to be lowered for block change.
The lifts are mounted in a pit within the workshop floor with suitable automatic covers that close flush with the surface, allowing the entire workshop surface to be used when not in operation.

Configurable for any amount of cars, there is a sophisticated control system ensuring that all lifts are kept level within tolerance. This allows a semi-rigid coupled vehicle to be lifted in their entirety without the requirement for time consuming uncoupling operations.

Individual bogies are selectable from the control console allowing any length of train or any combination of cars or bogies to be worked on.

Towing systems

The ends of the haulage cable are fixed to a low level carriage, which runs inside the main track on an auxiliary track, or even in some cases on the rail feet. The carriage is fitted with retractable arms and rollers, of which the traverse motions of extension and retraction can be carried out at predetermined fixed points or by remote control at any location. The rollers engage the wheels of a wagon axle, so that the haulage force can be applied in either direction.
All hooking, unhooking and control operations are carried out by remote control, without the need for personnel along the track at any stage of the marshalling operation.
This arrangement is suitable for repetitive operations, (wagons of complete rakes of 1500 tonnes and over), enables precise positioning, passage over a weigh bridge, feeding a rocker, etc. and is adaptable to most track gauges in use. It can obviously be included as part of a complete automation system.

Body Supports

These are independently driven translational screws which are raised to support the wheel once the vehicle has been lifted. During normal use they are static support columns to allow bogie removal, however the rating is such that in emergency situations the vehicle can be raised using the support stands. Each stand is individually powered as this allows each to find the correct level of support irrespective of any required differential in travel between stands.

Body Supports

Each body support is independently driven and sensed allowing each to find the correct support height for the raised vehicle irrespective of the vehicle attitude to the floor. The rating if each support stand is increased to accommodate the off centre loading which can occur whilst utilising the longitudinal adjustment facility.
The lifting mechanism is an acme, self locking screw thread but translational (ie the nut is rotated and the screw translates linearly through the gear box).Power is provided by 3-4 kW motor through a suitable coupling and reducer gearbox to effect approximately 600mm/min travel speed. Mounted on the lifting is an anvil assembly with the vehicle.
During operation a common signal is sent to each support stand to effect raise or lower , however, each stand will only cease movement when its individual upper travel, lower travel or vehicle contact sensors are activated.
The jacks are mounted on a base plate enabling accurate levelling of drive members and easing installation.

Mobile lifting jacks

More Information

Jacks are the flexible option for vehicle lifting. The jacks are able to be positioned by an operator at any point along the car regardless of position, length or width.
Mobiles are specified as a general purpose maintenance facility where there are varying train types and maintenance can either be planned or on a breakdown basis.
Modular design allows further jacks to be added as required with an option for multiple car setups.

Advantages:

• The entire train can be maintained without uncoupling or individual carriages
• Expandable systems to accommodate future vehicles
• Can be used at any position inside or outside workshop
• Full use of workshop floor can be maintained when not in use
• Suitable for any length, width or type of train
• When used with support ancillaries, multiple vehicles can be raised with one lift
• Suitable for any ground conditions little or no civil work required
• Low initial capital cost
• Can be taken to immobile train for maintenance.

Progression Systems

A system that tows bogies through the assembly and disassembly procedures. Whilst work is being done on the wheel sets the bogies are welded, painted and merged back on the assembly line to meet the reassembled wheel sets.

Wheel Presses

The press has been designed to automatically mount locomotive gears and general rolling wheels to their respective axle, without the need to “end for end” the axle.

Pre-assembled axle sets are presented to the press by a feed unit from which they are taken automatically centralised and the wheels and/ or gear pressed onto the axle to pre determined positions. At the end of the pressing cycle, the assembled wheel set is lowered and discharged to the rear of the press where it rolls out onto the progression system.
When mounting locomotive axles with gears, the operation is split onto two parts, the first being mounting of gear only, after which the axle is removed from the feed unit and the wheels pre-assembled. The second part of the operation involves reloading the wheel set back into the press where the wheels are then mounted. Another function of the press is that of mounting wheels and gears onto axles which have gearbox housings attached. Since the prime purpose of the press is to handle “conventional wheel sets”, this operation is purely a manual one, (including loading and unloading) with the gearbox casing supported on special purpose-built tooling. Accurate gauge width is achieved by an electronic gauging device equipped with pneumatically operated probes which bear against either the inner wheel surface of the inner gear surface. These gauge probes control the actual pressing cylinder’s movement and determine the
final positioning of the wheel or gear within the tolerances specified by the customer.

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