Electronic Solutions for Rolling Stock and Track
Rowe Hankins Ltd is a UK‑based specialist in innovative trainborne and trackside products and systems for the world’s railways. With over three decades of experience collaborating with rolling stock manufacturers, train operating companies, track owners, and infrastructure contractors, Rowe Hankins delivers safety‑critical electro‑mechanical and electronic solutions and other Tier 1 Full Turnkey Solutions built for reliability, robustness and long-term performance in the most demanding environments.
Trackside / Wayside Condition Monitoring & Earth‑Leakage Detection
Rowe Hankins supplies AC & DC Earth Leakage and Small‑Signal Current Monitoring (NIC) systems designed for preventive maintenance of signalling and trackside cabling. These products assist Network Rail and global infrastructure managers by detecting imbalance and signalling faults early—NIC units are mounted on DIN rails and monitor currents up to ±600 mA, outputting a scaled 4‑20 mA signal for further processing by monitoring systems, along with Volt-Free alarm contacts.
Trainborne Speed & Direction Sensing and Tachometer Systems
The company designs and manufactures multi‑channel speed sensors and tachometer systems tailored for installation onto axle‑box housings or journal boxes. Utilizing Hall‑effect sensing and magnetic or tooth‑wheel targets, these units deliver high integrity speed and direction data for safety‑critical on‑board systems. A new four‑channel sensor platform enhances EMC immunity and reliability, and fully integrated tachometer units are offered for ready on‑train deployment.
Wheel Flange & Top‑of‑Rail Lubrication Systems (iWFL / ToRFM)
The Intelligent Wheel Flange Lubrication (iWFL) system is a trainborne dispensing technology that uses GPS, speed, and inertia sensors to apply biodegradable lubricant precisely at curve zones. Combined with a Top‑of‑Rail Friction Modifier (ToRFM), it reduces wheel wear, friction, noise, derailment risk and energy consumption by 10–15%, enhancing both safety and service life of rail infrastructure.
Circuit Protection and Braking Safety
Rowe Hankins offers rugged hydraulic‑magnetic circuit breakers and Residual Circuit Breaker Overloads (RCBOs) certified for harsh industrial and traction environments. These devices safeguard AC and DC circuits through high inrush tolerance, shock resilience and integrated current sensing for safe and reliable protection in rolling stock applications.
Engineering, Overhaul & High‑Current DC Testing Services
Supporting their product portfolio, Rowe Hankins maintains full-service workshop capabilities including circuit-breaker testing, high-current DC injection up to 5,000 A (extendable to 10,000 A), testing contactors, relays and traction conductors. Their engineering team also provides tailored overhaul, consultancy and design services for circuit breakers, OTMR systems and harness assemblies.
Rowe Hankins’ broad portfolio—including speed sensors, earth leakage monitors, lubrication systems, AI‑based fault detectors, circuit protection devices, overspeed protection systems and bespoke harnesses—are engineered to meet the unique challenges of railway signalling, traction, vehicle operation and infrastructure monitoring. Each product line is developed with rigorous environmental and safety standards (such as EN 50155, EN 61373, EN 45545) and is proven globally across more than 40 countries.
This combination of cutting-edge technology, deep rail sector expertise, and full lifecycle support—from hardware design through to service and testing—places Rowe Hankins at the forefront of rail asset safety, efficiency and innovation. If you require solutions for preventive maintenance, condition monitoring, on‑board safety systems or infrastructure protection, Rowe Hankins stands ready to collaborate with tailored engineering excellence and reliable delivery.
