Four rails?

Surrey 455

Hero Member

Posts: 1279

Four rails?

« on: December 06, 2014, 13:19:32 »

I'm curious as to why the new section of track to Heathrow uses 4 rails rather than the normal 2 per track.

Pictures http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/local-news/first-crossrail-tracks-laid-heathrow-8162527


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ChrisB

Transport Scholar
Hero Member

Posts: 13361

Re: Four rails?

« Reply #1 on: December 06, 2014, 13:35:03 »

To retain the bogies on the track round tightish corners?


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Rhydgaled

Hero Member

Posts: 1500

Re: Four rails?

« Reply #2 on: December 06, 2014, 13:37:00 »

Looks very strange. Like they have laid a narrow guage line inside the standard gauge track. The fairly even spacing of the four rails doesn't look like the thing that is sometimes done on curves.


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Don't DOO^▸ it, keep the guard (but it probably wouldn't be a bad idea if the driver unlocked the doors on arrival at calling points).

Oxonhutch

Transport Scholar
Hero Member

Posts: 1378

Re: Four rails?

« Reply #3 on: December 06, 2014, 15:58:53 »

~~Aren't the inner rails merely conveniently stored pending their installation either side of the bridge work? i.e., they'll be dragged to their new position when ready.~~
Just studied the pictures closer and can now see that they are fixed to the sleepers. They look like derailment containment on the bridge section.


« Last Edit: December 06, 2014, 16:14:43 by Oxonhutch »	Logged

FarWestJohn

Sr. Member

Posts: 240

Re: Four rails?

« Reply #4 on: December 06, 2014, 18:46:02 »

I went over the repaired and relayed track over Hayle viaduct today. It also has two rails down the centre of the 4 foot to ensure a possible derailment is kept on the viaduct. There are also curved rails at the side on the approach for the same reason.


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