At this year’s IAF, Windhoff (stand B411) will present a compact, two-axle rail vehicle for construction work, service, and maintenance tasks, which is designed to carry materials, trailers and workers. The vehicle, branded Wintrak, has a 520kW engine and can operate at up to 100km/h. The vehicle can also be used for the maintenance and installation of catenary, with wire positioner devices and baskets available on request.
Amberg (stand M244) will present its new IMS 5000 track surveying system, which can simultaneously survey relative and absolute track geometry. Laser scanning technology makes it possible to collect and display data of objects close to the track. By using 3D control points, users can perform topographic surveys without any total station or GNSS signal. The IMS 5000 works at speeds of 4km/h and only requires one person to operate.
Rosehill Rail (stand N214) will showcase its Connect Road Crossing system which was designed and developed in cooperation with Network Rail, and can be employed universally in any road crossing or road/rail access point application.
Speno (stand B500) will exhibit its new LRR 16 M rail grinding train, which will be delivered to Japan. Speno will also show a prototype concept for an alternative rail reprofiling method, integrated with its measuring equipment into its design.
Matisa (stand B600) will use the summit to focus on its multi-purpose machines, including track laying machines, tampers, ballast regulators, measuring vehicles, track renewal trains, ballast cleaners, and turnout transport wagons. However, the major focus will be new technologies: a Human Machine Interface (HMI), new automated optical measuring equipment, and its turnout tamping method.
Getzner (stand N221) will present its latest vibration isolation systems for use in transition zones and turnouts. Getzner produces elastic components made from Sylomer and Sylodyn, which balance out variations in stiffness in the track superstructure, with the aim of reducing maintenance costs.
Voestalpine (stand M250 and stand B206) will exhibit two new products: an improved UHP crossing, and the rail expansion joint (REJ) 1800. The REJ 1800 is an updated version of the vaBWG rail-expansion system, while the UHP is an improved version of the vaBWG standard, and Vossloh says it offers increased wear resistance, lifetime and user-friendly installation properties.
Vossloh (stand B200) will demonstrate its new application for simulating life-cycle costs, which is designed to help customers choose the most appropriate product. Vossloh will also exhibit in the outside area a new milling wheel for its High Performance Milling Train (HPM), which can work on a variety of track types.
Kirow (stand B403) will be presenting the new Switch Tilter and Multi Tasker at IAF. The Switch Tilter is a tilting wagon specifically designed for the London Underground (LU). The Multi Tasker, also designed for LU, is a 25-tonne crane which can lift 17 tonnes and has various tailored solutions requested by LU such as a special draw and coupling system, a modified brake system or sensors on the counterweight.
British Steel (stand M320) will demonstrate its solutions for building stronger high-speed, heavy-duty, mixed-traffic, metro and light-rail networks. Three key products on show include: a stress-free heat-treated rail to reduce wear and foot fatigue, multi-life grooved rail for light rail networks, and Zinocorail for corrosive environments.
Among the highlights for Pandrol Track Systems and sister company Railtech Welding and Equipment (stand A100) are its latest ballasted and non-ballasted fastening systems. Also on show will be the Vortok measure and detect wayside monitoring systems, which now include continuous monitoring options, as well as the company’s latest rail stressing technology in rollers and non-destructive stress free monitoring. In addition, Pandrol Electrification will show its rigid overhead catenary system, while Pandrol CDM Track will exhibit its under sleeper pads, and the latest electric Rosenqvist CD 200 rail clipping machine will also be on display.
Robel focuses on ergonomics and emissions
WITH a stand covering 1000m2, Robel will once again have a major presence at IAF with 25 exhibits in action. Innovations include a hybrid grinding machine for rail heads and switches, a new range of hand-held vertical tampers, and improvements in operator ergonomics.
Robel will offer hands-on demonstrations of its new 30.73 PSM Precision Power Wrench, which features a patented measurement system with integrated torque spanner, faster wrenching at 205 rpm, and GPS recording of each wrenching process with a USB port for transferring data from the machine.
The new 62.05 range of vertical tampers is designed to correct running surface level errors and improve track geometry. A patented two-level vibration decoupling system reduces hand-arm vibration, improving operator comfort. The 62.05 can be supplied with a two or four-stroke petrol engine, electric or hydraulic motor, or Robel’s battery drive system.
The prototype 13.45 grinding machine has been developed with operator ergonomics in mind and features a new frame design, bigger wheels for easier handling, and a new roller system for switch and crossing grinding.
Robel will use virtual reality to demonstrate the operation of its larger machines, and visitors to the stand will be invited to join a working shift on Mobile Maintenance System supplied to British infrastructure manager Network Rail.
Reflecting the company’s maintenance support services, Robel will also demonstrate its bogie and wheelset overhaul capabilities.
