Switch stands, switch machines: Same design, new perks; Switch stands and machines have kept the same design components for over 100 years, but with an industry focus on safety, new bells and whistles are added every year

Railway Track and Structures, Nov, 2001 by Mischa Wanek

The switch stand design your grandfather envisions from railroading days past is most likely similar to the design railroaders see today. The similarities end with appearance. Today, switch stand manufacturers focus on operator safety and product efficiency, as well as continuing the transition from switch stands to switch machines.

ABC-NACO

ABC-NACO Inc., the owner of the "RACOR" trademark, has a variety of switch stands to choose from, including a rigid 36E, the trailable 22E, a 112G column stand and the 336EC paved track stand. ABC-NACO's newest product is the Automater.

"The Automater is a unit that can make our manual stand or any competitor's ground-throw switch stand operate with the push of a button. The unit consists of a hydraulic actuator that easily connects to a new or existing switch stand in lieu of a hand lever," said Russ Hem, chief engineer of ABC-NACO.

"Safety and the environment are always a concern on the railroad. The tri-glide handle was designed to minimize twisting and bending associated with older-style ground-thrown stands. We have changed the lubrication from oil, which could contaminate the ground around the stand, to clinging grease. The drawback to a hand-thrown switch is that there are so many factors that can make a switch hard to throw; alignment, component adjustment, component wear and even switch designs contribute to how hard a switch throws," said Hem.

ABC-NACO has done business with most Class 1s, shipped units to all of the Americas and Europe and hopes to break into the Asian market, Hem noted.

National Trackwork

National Trackwork, Inc., recently added its Model 1500 Solar Glide switch machine to the market.

"The benefits of our products are ease of operation, safety, reliability, durability, very little maintenance and ease of installation along with low cost," said Bob Fiorio, sales manager for National Trackwork.

National Trackwork's customer base consists of Class 1s, shortlines, regionals and transit authorities. It recently filled an order from Ferronorte in Brazil.

With a diverse customer base, Fiorio said National Trackwork is under constant pressure to improve safety, quality and performance, while reducing costs.

The desire for better quality and less cost isn't the only trend Fiorio has noticed in the market.

"The information and communication needs from our users are increasing. Product users desire more information more quickly and want it communicated to a central location. We have incorporated remote control technology in our switch machines to satisfy that requirement," said Fiorio.

One machine that has optional remote control is the Model 1100 Glide-O-Matic. It is a fully-automatic electric-powered switch machine with run-through capability, single push-button operation and, according to Fiorio, is switching made easy.

National Trackwork offers a full range of switching devices, including Models 1004, 1003 and 1008 Backsaver Switch Stands and the NT 2000, which is used in conjunction with manual switch stands to finish switch operation.

"The switch stands are reliable, rugged, easy to install, adjust and maintain," said Fiorio.

Pohl

Pohl Corporation has longevity on its side when it comes to its New Century switch stand.

"The main benefits of the New Century stand are its reliability and 'Track Record.' This product has been in use in the industry for more than 100 years. New Century switch stands have been used by most major railroads throughout North America over the past 100-plus years," said John Lesh, account executive

for Pohl.

Just because something has been around for 100 years, doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. Pohl recently developed a Safety Plate that mounts to the underside of the New Century stand.

"The Safety Plate prevents the separation of the spindle and crank in the event that the cross pin would shear.

"This component also prevents ballast from jamming the mechanism and can be easily installed without removing the stand from the head block timber," said Lesh.

Pohl has received requests in the past year to develop a special-application-type stand to be used with wayside switches in non-signaled territory and the occasional request for a run-through design switch stand, but it has noticed the focus of the industry continues to be on safety.

"The Number One consideration is always safety. Since the inception of the Back Saver handle, this particular item has been a huge success," said Lesh.

Pohl also provides a video, upon request, that demonstrates installation, proper use and maintenance of the New Century switch stand.

RTI

Railway Technology, Inc., spent the past year developing two products and watching its Model 3000LP, a product the industry has known for just over a year, grow to bring in 65 percent of its total business.

"The first new product is an Embedded Switch Machine, developed primarily for port authorities and/or intermodal yards. After installation, it is level with the top of the rail and can be paved around for a smooth surface throughout the yard. The machine can be driven over and will withstand 280,000-pound axle loading," said Mike Wyatt, president of Railway Technology.