Dual Inventive
Saving Time and Money with Dual Inventive’s Track Circuit Operating Device
This article first appeared in the Railway-News Magazine Issue 1 2024.
Background
Dual Inventive was invited to Woldingham Station, Oxted which is part of the Network Rail Sussex Route to observe the Mobile Maintenance Train (MMT) and to see how it operates in conjunction with Dual Inventive’s ZKL 3000 RC (remote-controlled track circuit operating device) and a signal protection zone.
Network Rail on the Sussex route has been using the MMT for seven years covering regions from London Victoria to the South Coast to undertake repairs, renewals and to conduct upgrades to the rail network.
Having access to the MMT:
- enables track workers to carry out railway maintenance work in a safe and controlled environment
- allows for shorter setup and shut-down times providing cost efficiencies
- reduces emissions created during machine operation, improving long-term health, thanks to the use of electric tools and proper ventilation
- allows for the adjacent track and overhead lines to remain open, making it less disruptive for passengers and freight
Problem
Prior to using the MMT, any equipment needed for the shift would arrive by road, be driven to an access point and be transported by rail to the work site. The team would also have to take a line block using conventional methods during the dark hours putting track workers at risk. It is a requirement that, when using a manual T-COD that it must be installed by a controller of site safety (COSS) with the assistance of a second person. To meet safety standards, two people must stay with the T-COD during the entire shift. Working this way is a slow and labour-intensive process, that is not cost-effective.
