Works Vehicles & Machines

Ballast regulators are machines used to shape, distribute and profile the ballast that supports the track. By redistributing the ballast evenly after tamping, these machines help maintain track geometry and ensure proper drainage. They play a key role in the track maintenance process, particularly following renewal or major works.

Engineering and maintenance wagons are specialist rail vehicles used to transport materials, tools and equipment needed for track construction, repair and maintenance activities. These wagons may be fitted with cranes, power supplies or other features to support on-site works and are often part of larger engineering trains.

Road-rail vehicles (also known as hi-rail vehicles) are machines that can operate both on roads and railway tracks, making them highly versatile for maintenance and inspection tasks. This category includes other track maintenance machines that don’t fall under standard classifications, such as vegetation management units or rail-mounted cranes.

Rerailing equipment is used to safely and efficiently return derailed rolling stock to the track. This includes hydraulic jacks, rerailing bridges and complete rerailing systems designed for different types of vehicles and environments.

Track ballast cleaners are machines that remove debris and fine particles from the track ballast to restore drainage and maintain track stability. They scoop up the existing ballast, clean it by separating out waste material, and return the clean ballast to the trackbed, often adding fresh ballast as needed. These machines help reduce the need for full ballast replacement and are key to maintaining ride quality and track geometry.

Track geometry cars, also known as track recording cars, are specialised rail vehicles that measure key parameters such as track gauge, alignment, cant, curvature and surface profile while in motion. These measurements are critical for assessing the safety and quality of the rail infrastructure. Equipped with advanced sensors and data logging systems, track geometry cars help infrastructure managers monitor track condition, identify defects and plan maintenance works more efficiently.

Track inspection vehicles are used to assess the safety, quality and condition of railway track. These vehicles can be self-propelled, hauled by other rolling stock or be road-rail capable, allowing flexible deployment across the network. Equipped with visual, ultrasonic, laser or inertial measurement systems, they detect defects such as cracks, misalignments or wear, helping to prevent failures and improve maintenance planning.

Track laying machines automate the process of installing railway track, including positioning sleepers, placing rails and securing fastenings. These machines improve efficiency and safety on large-scale infrastructure projects by reducing manual labour and ensuring consistent alignment and spacing. Track laying machines are used in both new construction and major renewals.

Track maintenance and renewal trains are specialised trains equipped to perform repair, replacement and upkeep tasks on the railway infrastructure. They carry out functions such as sleeper and rail replacement, ballast cleaning and welding, often combining multiple tools and systems in a single consist. These trains reduce the need for separate machines and increase the efficiency of large-scale maintenance operations.