SWITCH POINT GUARDS

The test was begun with Bethlehem Steel Co. guards, but was later expanded to include guards manufactured by the Q. and C. Co. and American Brake Shoe Co. All three types of guards have been quite effective in reducing flange wear at the point of the switch rail. At each location, switch point life has been more than doubled. The Racor and Q. and C. types require some maintenance in that the bolts through the stock rail should be kept tight. Original cost and installation cost of the Bethlehem Steel Co. type is greater. Under certain conditions the wheels have a tendency to climb up the guarding face. In view of this climbing action these guards should be used only in yards or at slow speed locations. The switch point guards should not be used where L-6 and P-5 locomotives are operated.

• Corporate Authors:

  Penn Central Transportation Company

  Transportation Center, 6 Penn Center Plaza
  Philadelphia, PA  United States  19104
• Authors:
  • Code, C J
• Publication Date: 1960-8-26

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: 11 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bolts; Costs; Crossovers; Fastenings; Field tests; Maintenance of way; Point demerit systems; Railroad rails; Railroad yards; Technology; Wear
• Uncontrolled Terms: Switches
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Old TRIS Terms: Points; Wheel lift
• Subject Areas: Finance; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00040289
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Test No. 689 Test Rpt
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 8 1994 12:00AM