Question re track

[Junctionmad]

It was mentioned to me recently , what was the extra rail fixed down in various places on IE network near the middle of the track. It later too far apart to be a check rail

 

Any ideas ?

[Railer]

There are two types of check rails used by Irish Rail. One is just inside the running rails like normal. The other is bolted down in the mid section of the track like on the Bray to Greystones section of the line. As far as I know they are check rails but I don't know why they are placed in the middle and far apart, don't seem to be very effective for their use to me but what do I know.

 

Not to be confuesed with new or replaced rail sections that are often left behind all around the network mind.

[Broithe]

The 'centre-rails' often appear in places where it would be nice to 'contain' a derailment - on bridges and on embankments, hillsides, etc. - where a derailment could have consequences which are amplified by the potential aftermath.

[Junctionmad]

The 'centre-rails' often appear in places where it would be nice to 'contain' a derailment - on bridges and on embankments, hillsides, etc. - where a derailment could have consequences which are amplified by the potential aftermath.

 

interesting, cant see how they would do much, check rails in the normal sense are not used to contain derailments

 

I presume this is what you mean

 

http://www.irishrail.ie/media/may_timetable_24042015.pdf?v=8rhurqe

Edited April 29, 2015 by Junctionmad

[DiveController]

The 'centre-rails' often appear in places where it would be nice to 'contain' a derailment - on bridges and on embankments, hillsides, etc. - where a derailment could have consequences which are amplified by the potential aftermath.

 

So you're saying that if the train were to derail the center rail(s) are to guide the derailed flanges along the sleepers more or less along the route rather than (say) straying all the way across, off the permanent way where the outside wheel would then fall off and the loco overturn?

[Broithe]

So you're saying that if the train were to derail the center rail(s) are to guide the derailed flanges along the sleepers more or less along the route rather than (say) straying all the way across, off the permanent way where the outside wheel would then fall off and the loco overturn?

 

Something like that. The Japanese have raised internal guides in places, to cope with what might happen in an earthquake situation. If you derail on a bridge or on a high, steep bank, then it would be nice to stay close to the line, rather than fall off. Modern bridges are intended to keep the train on, but older ones may not be designed to do so.

 

If you can stay close to the track-line, then the possibility for damage and injury is lessened - usually.

 

Keeping things close to the line can also help to avoid pulling down loads of overhead structures.

 

http://www.rtri.or.jp/eng/rd/seika/2009/01/safety_E03.html

 

 

 

It's nice to keep stuff in line - this reduces jack-knifing and the loads on the occupants.

 

[Mayner]

So you're saying that if the train were to derail the center rail(s) are to guide the derailed flanges along the sleepers more or less along the route rather than (say) straying all the way across, off the permanent way where the outside wheel would then fall off and the loco overturn?

 

Exactly termed guard rather than check rails standard practice in most countries to reduce the risk of vehicles falling off bridges and viaducts in case of de-railment and passengers ending up in the Irish Sea in the case of Bray Head.

 

 

Guard rails on both Keddie Trestles