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 second new product is a non-vital Wheel Counter system.

"This system will replace the inductive loop circuits that we now use to detect traffic over the switch machine. It is extremely reliable and affordably priced," said Wyatt. "The benefits of our switch machines and related products are greater productivity in yards and the elimination of injuries related to the throwing of switches."

Wyatt concentrates on the needs of his customers.

"To me, service is just as big a factor as price, safety, ease of use, etc. That is the first criteria I look at from my vendors. Quality is second and price is third. The three must go hand-in-hand before I am a happy customer, so that is the way I treat our customers.

"I feel that first and foremost, the product must meet the customers' needs. We try to include the flexibility for our switch machine to meet as many different applications as humanly possible and still keep it affordable for all our customers. In today's market, it must be a good investment or the purchase will not be made," said Wyatt.

After a busy 2001, Wyatt is looking forward to 2002, "This has been a great year for Railway Technology and next year looks even better. We appreciate each and every order that we receive.

Safetran

Safetran Systems Corp. is relatively new to the switch market, but is establishing itself as a major participant. It recently received a major contract from a Class 1 railroad.

Safetran points out it has established itself as a credible mainline switch machine supplier, partly by physically demonstrating the effectiveness of the machines in the field and, in part, by assembling an experienced design and support staff to stand behind this product line.

The company's SML-20 Mainline Switch Machine was released in 2000, after a substantial field trial and development program. The machine has an ergonomic hand-throw lever and lightweight covrs to thwart the risk of back strain and is available with or without hand-throw locking.

The design incorporates a horizontal terminal board to simplify installation and reduce the possibility of wiring errors. In addition, three standard gear ratios are offered to match local power availability. The standard series wound motor provides superior cold temperature performance in comparison to the permanent magnet motors often used in this application, Safetran noted.

The company recognizes the primary factors customers look for in a switch machine are operator safety, reliability, ease of use and installation and value.

Safetran points out it provides aid to its customers with a large technical support staff commited to quality and manufacturing efficiency and an engineering effort dedicated to developing innovative products that solve the customers' problems.

Union Switch & Signal

Union Switch & Signal Inc. released the "next generation of 'M-style' switch machines" with its M-23E[TM] switch machine. The machine was designed based on input from Union Switch & Signal customers. According to the company, because the design is based on customer input, it reduces installation, maintenance and adjustment time and activities. US&S notes that the M-style switch machine has come to be viewed as an industry standard since the first model was introduced in the 1920s.