A presentation discussing the renewal of railway turnouts in short possessions. An overview of Network Rail's Modular Switches and Crossing project.

1. SEAMLESS SOLUTIONS FOR COMPLEX
RAIL WORKS
RHOMBERG
RAIL AUSTRALIA
MODULAR POINTS & CROSSINGS
STEVEN JOHNSON

4. An example of change
Lead or turnout – in 2006 typical installation time 36 hours
Crossover – in 2006 typical installation time 54 hours

5. Long bearers are a key constraint
• Prebuild
• Remove both
tracks
• Lay over end
with rail crane
• Too big to fit
on a road or
rail wagon

6. Break the long bearers
Lead or turnout – in 2006 typical installation time 36 hours
Crossover – in 2006 typical installation time 54 hours
UK=2m

7. Bearer tie

8. Modular panel transport

9. Panels in transit

10. Modular Panels
• Does not
require the
removal of
two tracks
• No need for
temporary
track

11. Prefit point operating equipment
In-bearer clamp lock
Four foot back drive

12. Installation

13. Self levelling beam

14. The future

15. The future signalling connections

17. 'Lean thinking is lean because it provides a way
to do more with less - less human effort, less
equipment, less time and less space - while
coming closer to providing customers with
exactly what they want.‘
Womack and Jones

18. Systems engineering
User
requirements
Functional
specification
Implementation
Integration, test
and verification
Verification and
validation
Operation and
maintenance
Verification
and
validation
Project
definition
Technical
specification
Time
Project test and
integration
Detailed design

19. Conclusion
• Put the needs of the customer
first
• Challenge the accepted wisdom
• Ask why
• Be open to outside ideas
• Revisit past assumptions and
ideas
• Make rail an affordable,
sustainable transport mode that
meets the needs of society.

20. SYDNEY OFFICE
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SOLUTIONS@RHOMBERGRAIL.COM.AU
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RHOMBERG
RAIL AUSTRALIA