Railway Track & Structures - November 2007 - (Page 29)

Also new is the Electronic Biased Neutral Controller (EBNC). According to Rudge, when equipped in an M-Style switch machine with an Electronic Circuit Controller (ECC), the machine can gain the capability of predictive maintenance, reducing operational costs. With the EBNC, M-style switch machines can be run directly by MicroLok® II or the MicroLok® Object Controller, while external vital electro-mechanical relays are no longer needed. Rudge also points out that direct overload protection based on time and current makes the M-style switch machine interchangeable with the GRS Model 5 switch machine without the need to change wiring or control logic. The company developed the Independent Point Machine for its international customers, but it can be adapted for domestic use. The machine has two point detector bars that monitor both points of the switch. Each point detector bar can be individually adjusted. our hollow steel tie (HST) product line. Not only does this eliminate the need for conventional headblock ties, it provides more secure fixation of the switch control mechanism, positive gauge control, and better switch adjustment. Rods are fully encapsulated within the HST, facilitating production tamping through the switch,” said Ken Ouelette, division managerswitch control at VAE Nortrak. Ouelette pointed out that, generally, the industry faces increasing scrutiny over the verification of switch position within dark territory. “Proposed legislation introduced in the U.S. this year will be a catalyst for change and VAE Nortrak will be working hard with its partners in the industry to develop new and innovative solutions,” said Ouelette. “Further, there will be an increased demand for a low cost and reliable means to monitor the position of switches outside of CTC territory.” VAE Nortrak VAE Nortrak Ltd. produces the RACOR line of manual switch stands. These machines come in trailable/non-trailable, low mast/high mast and ball handle/trihandle (ergonomic) configurations for yard or main line use. The Nortrak AUTOMATER, which has undergone a redesign for a narrower profile, is an extension of the RACOR line. The AUTOMATER converts a manual RACOR switch stand into a power-operated switch machine. “In response to requests from the industry, we are integrating RACOR switch stands and AUTOMATERs into Western-Cullen-Hayes Western-Cullen-Hayes, Inc., manufactures the WCHT-72 switch machine, a trailable, electro-hydraulic machine that operates on 120 volts. Carl Pambianco, sales manager at WCH, notes that cost still seems to be the driving force behind most switch machine purchases, both initial and long-term cost of ownership. “Some manufacturers are beginning to import switch machine components from overseas suppliers in an effort to cut costs. This has led to more quality complaints than has been the case historically. WCH still manufactures our switch machines here,” said Pambianco. www.rtands.com Railway Track & Structures November 2007 29 http://www.rtands.com

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Railway Track & Structures - November 2007 Contents On Track Industry Today Supplier News AREMA News NRC News TTCI R&D Seattle Retrofits Downtown Transit Tunnel Switch Stand, Switch Machines Planning M/W with Modern, High-Tech Tools Products & Literature People Calendar Advertisers Index Sales Representatives Website Directory Professional Directory Classified Advertising Chicago Perspective

Railway Track & Structures - November 2007

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