Rail Replacement

The rail replacement system is made up of various modules

Locomotive
Rail Transport Units "Bützow", "STS", or third party transport cars
Loading and Unloading System (V+L Module) For unloading of new rails and loading of used rails
Replacement Module (W-Module) In combination with the V+L module, it is possible to continuously unload and install new rails while setting the used rails aside
Welding Module For mobile flash-butt welding of installed new rails

Performance Data

Unloading and installing of new rails (setting aside the used rails): 400 - 800 m of track per hour
Loading of used rails: 500 - 800 m of track per hour
Flash-butt welding (including rail lengths neutralisation): 4 to 6 welds per hour

Working Conditions

Min. working radius: 350 m
Max. Tilt: 180 mm
Max. Longitudinal slope: 40 ‰
Replacement of rail lengths up to 180 m

Advantages of the rail replacement system

Reduction of construction times and track closure time
Fast working speed
Optimised construction site logistics
Integrated production of a continuously welded rail

Reduction of construction costs

No individual unloading operations necessary
Combination of unloading and replacing
Use of transport units for delivery and return transport of rails
Less traffic interruption
Fewer safety and supervision services needed

Quality increase

Continuous process parameter monitoring
Compliance with the rail’s bending line

Further information
- Rail Replacement (pdf, 268.6 kByte)
- Animation of the rail replacement system (Flash/swf)