Rail turnout price

Types of rail turnout

A rail turnout is also known as a switch or points. It is a mechanical installation that allows trains to be guided from one track to another. It consists of linked iron rails that move in the same plane as the track and serve as a replacement for the inner rail. The turnouts are located in places where tracks intersect, such as stations, track yards, and junctions. A turnout is a vital part of the railway track system, and its function directly impacts train operations. If the turnout is not in good condition, it can disrupt train schedules and even cause accidents. Therefore, regular inspection and maintenance of the turnout are essential for railway operations. The turnout is a complex structure composed of several parts, including switches, blades, frogs, and other components. The design of the turnout is determined by factors such as the type of railway, train speed, and traffic volume.

• 1. Vignole Rail Turnout

  The Vignole turnout is the most common type used in modern railways. In this turnout, the switches are at the same level as the running rails, and the switch blades are used to adjust the gauge.

• 2. Barlow Rail Turnout

  The Barlow turnout is a special design turnout. In this turnout, the switches and the rest of the turnout are in a single piece. This turnout design is suitable for tramways and light railways.

• 3. Chicago Rail Turnout

  The Chicago turnout is a type of turnout designed for high-speed mainline railways. In this turnout, the switches, blades, and frogs are all designed with high-speed operations in mind.

• 4. Cantilevered rail turnout

  The cantilevered turnout is a turnout that has a special design where the whole turnout is supported by a cantilever. This turnout is suitable for places with limited space and is often used in urban areas.

• 5. Concrete Rail Turnout

  The concrete turnout is a type of turnout where the whole structure is made of concrete. This turnout is designed to be durable and is suitable for heavy-duty railway operations.

• 6. Timber Rail turnout

  The timber turnout is a type of turnout where wood is used for the switches, the rest of the turnout components, and the track bed. This turnout is designed to be cost-effective and is suitable for low-speed railways.

• 7. Steel Rail Turnout

  The steel turnout is a type of turnout that uses steel for the switches and other components. This turnout is designed to be strong and durable, making it suitable for high-speed and heavy-duty railway operations.

• 8. Swing Rail Turnout

  The swing rail turnout is a special design where the whole switch system can swing from one track to another. This turnout is suitable for places with high switching frequency requirements.

Specification and Maintenance of Rail Turnout Price

The rail turnout is a complex track structure made up of different components, each with its own specification:

• Switches: The angle of the switch point relative to the track line should be appropriate for the railway operation. In high-speed railways, switches with smaller angles are often used to reduce train delays. The length of the switch should also be adequate to ensure a smooth transition for trains when switching tracks.
• Frog: The frog is a critical part of the turnout where the two tracks intersect. Its design must ensure that wheels can roll smoothly without any bumps or interruptions. The size of the frog is determined by the type of trains using the turnout. For example, heavier freight trains may require a larger frog to withstand the increased load. Additionally, the angle of the frog should align with the switches, ensuring a seamless flow of train wheels from one track to another.
• Guard Rail: The guard rail is positioned alongside the frog and plays a vital role in guiding train wheels as they traverse the frog. It ensures that wheels are accurately directed into the frog without straying off course, thereby preventing derailments. The guard rail is typically placed slightly closer to the frog than the main track, ensuring precise guidance during the critical crossing point.
• Timber/Concrete Sleepers: Sleepers are responsible for supporting the turnout and maintaining the stability of the tracks. They are installed at regular intervals beneath the tracks to anchor the rails and distribute the load to the underlying ballast or foundation. Sleepers are essential for track alignment and stability, preventing deformation or movement of the rails due to train loading or environmental factors.
• Turnout Body: The turnout body consists of various components, including the switch rails, stock rails, frogs, and other elements, all working together to enable trains to change tracks smoothly. The turnout body must be designed to minimize noise and vibration transmission, ensuring a quieter and more comfortable ride for passengers while reducing wear and tear on the infrastructure.
• Ballast: Ballast is a layer of crushed stone placed beneath the sleepers. It provides support, stability, and drainage for the turnout and the tracks. The size and gradation of the ballast are essential for the proper functioning of the railway system. Ballast particles should be of suitable dimensions to ensure adequate interlocking and load distribution, preventing settlement or movement of the track structure.
• Subgrade: The subgrade is the foundation layer beneath the turnout that supports the entire railway structure. The subgrade's design and construction are critical for load-bearing capacity, settlement control, and overall turnout stability. It is essential to prevent excessive deformation or displacement of the track, ensuring safe and reliable railway operations.

Railway turnout maintenance is a critical aspect of railway infrastructure management. Turnouts are complex track structures that enable trains to switch between different tracks, and their proper functioning is essential for safe and efficient railway operations. Regular maintenance ensures that turnouts remain in good condition, minimizing the risk of accidents and disruptions to train services.

1. Visual Inspection: Regular visual inspections are the foundation of turnout maintenance. Trained personnel carefully examine all components of the turnout, including switches, frogs, guard rails, and tracks, for signs of wear, damage, or misalignment. They also check for vegetation encroachment, litter, and any other factors that could affect the turnout's performance. Early detection of issues through visual inspections allows for timely intervention and repairs, reducing the risk of costly disruptions or safety hazards.

2. Sound Inspection: Sound inspection involves using specialized equipment to monitor the health of turnout components. For example, ultrasonic testing can detect internal cracks or defects in rails and other components, even if they are not visible. Vibration analysis can identify abnormal vibrations or movements in the turnout, indicating potential problems. These advanced technologies complement visual inspections and provide valuable data for informed decision-making regarding maintenance actions.

3. Measurement Inspection: Measurement inspection involves using precise measuring instruments to assess critical parameters of the turnout. Rail profile measurement ensures that all rails conform to the required standards, promoting smooth train operations and preventing premature wear. Alignment measurement verifies that the turnout is correctly aligned within specified tolerances, minimizing the risk of derailments and track damage. Geometric measurement assesses the turnout's geometry, including curves, angles, and clearances, ensuring compliance with design specifications.

4. Preventive Maintenance: Preventive maintenance involves scheduled maintenance activities based on the findings of visual, sound, and measurement inspections. These activities may include rail grinding to maintain the proper rail profile, lubrication of moving parts to reduce friction and wear, and adjustment of switches and other components to ensure optimal functionality. Preventive maintenance aims to address potential issues before they escalate, extending the lifespan of turnout components and reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.

5. Corrective Maintenance: Corrective maintenance addresses issues or defects identified during inspections or routine operations. Maintenance teams promptly carry out repairs, replacements, or adjustments as needed to restore the turnout's functionality and safety. Corrective maintenance ensures that any deviations from the normal condition are swiftly addressed, minimizing disruptions to train services and enhancing passenger and freight safety.

How to Choose Rail Turnout Prices

• Gauge

  The turnout's gauge must correspond with that of the railway line to ensure smooth operations and safety. This is especially important for routes with high-speed trains, as even minor discrepancies can lead to track instability.

• Angle of Divergence

  The turnout's angle of divergence is crucial when determining the extent to which the track branches off. Turnouts with lower angles are preferable for high-speed tracks since they allow trains to transition without significantly changing their path.

• Speed Limit

  Every turnout is designed with a specific speed limit for trains passing through it. This limit must be adhered to in order to avoid accidents. Signage and train control systems can be employed to ensure trains do not exceed the speed limit at turnouts.

• Type of Rail

  The turnout must be compatible with the type of rail sections used on the surrounding track. This includes considerations such as rail profile and wear resistance.

• Capacity and Dimensional Tolerance

  Turnouts must be designed to handle the loads and traffic levels expected on the route. For instance, in areas with high freight traffic, turnouts with greater load-bearing capacity may be required. Furthermore, turnouts must meet dimensional tolerances to ensure compatibility with other track components.

• Maintenance and Inspection

  The turnout's design should facilitate maintenance and inspection activities. For example, the accessibility of switches and frogs is crucial for their maintenance. The turnout's components must be easily inspectable to detect wear or damage in a timely manner.

• Environmental Considerations

  Environmental factors, such as noise and vibration, should be considered in the turnout's design. For instance, noise barriers may be necessary in urban areas to mitigate noise from trains.

• Signaling and Control Systems

  The signaling and control systems associated with the turnout are critical for its safe and efficient operation. This includes the coordination of switch operations, signal indications, and train control systems along with the turnout.

• Safety Features

  Safety features are essential components of the turnout's design. This may include systems for monitoring switch positions, track circuit systems for detecting train presence, and emergency braking systems.

How to DIY and Replace Rail Turnouts

Replacing a rail turnout is a complex task that requires attention to detail. In general, the process involves the following:

• Assessment

  Before anything else, the current turnout's condition is assessed. This includes taking note of its size, type, and any damages that necessitated the replacement.

• Selection

  A new turnout that is compatible with the existing track is selected. The new turnout should ideally match the geometry of the old one to ensure smooth operations.

• Preparation

  The area around the existing turnout is cleared. This includes removing any ballast, track components, and vegetation that may obstruct the replacement process.

• Removal

  The existing turnout is detached from the surrounding track. This is done carefully to prevent damage to the adjacent tracks.

• Installation

  The new turnout is fixed to the surrounding track. The turnout is accurately aligned and leveled to avoid derailments and ensure the trains operate smoothly.

• Ballasting

  The area around the new turnout is ballasted. This helps to stabilize the track and distribute loads on the track.

• Testing

  The new turnout is tested to ensure it is functioning properly. This involves running test trains through the turnout to assess its performance.

Q and A

Q1: What is the purpose of rail turnouts?

A1: Rail turnouts are important parts of the railway system. They enable trains to switch tracks, allowing for alternative routes and efficient traffic management.

Q2: What are the different types of rail turnouts?

A2: There are several different kinds of rail turnouts, including rail turnout price, which is mainly used in places where space is limited. Other types are splitters, diamond crossings, and bolted crossings.

Q3: How often should rail turnouts be maintained?

A3: The frequency of rail turnout maintenance depends on several factors, including the type of turnout, traffic volume, and environmental conditions. Generally, regular inspections and periodic maintenance are essential to ensure safety and reliability.