Mors Smitt Relais has launched a range of plug-in relays for safety functions, available in standard voltages and rated up to 8A. Mechanical construction prevents the contacts from bridging, even when the power supply to the coil is twice the rated value.

Genesee & Wyoming Inc has ordered MultiRail¨ service planning software from MultiModal Applied Systems, looking to cut wagon cycle time and reduce wagon hire costs on its Portland & Western and Willamette & Pacific operations in Oregon. The system is likely to be introduced to other Genesee & Wyoming regional and shortline operations.

Queensland Rail has awarded Morris Powerlec an A$3·1m contract to supply an underfloor lifting system for handling bogies, wheelsets and traction motors at its Mayne facility, which maintains suburban rolling stock The manufacturer has supplied equipment for QR’s Tilt Train depot at Rockhampton.

QSS Group has developed Safety Check II, a Windows-based audit system to monitor working practices and guide decision-making in rolling stock maintenance and mechanical engineering against British safety legislation and industry standards. Available under an annual licence including quarterly updates, the package incorporates 90 checklists on distinct topics selected to match the audit requirement, giving a risk rating and generating priority actions.

Developed in conjunction with GTRM, the Pearce insulated rail joint tester manufactured and distributed by Jantec has been designed for non-intrusive testing without the need for extensive training. Two magnets are attached to the rail on each side of the joint where a probe is fixed to the outer insulated plate; LEDs on a hand-held unit indicate if the joint is good, deteriorating or has failed.

Percotex textured anti-graffiti coating supplied by Spies Hecker has been used by Danish State Railways to restore the exterior finish of a train that had received damage ranging from felt-tip pen graffiti to deep scratching of the glass-fibre body panels. The coating is resistant to further graffiti attacks, which can be removed by cleaning.

Under a rebuilding programme led by Siemens Transportation Systems, Sécheron is supplying its SECOS¨ 32 traction control system incorporating CER6096T electronics for 24 Romanian Railways Class 41 electric locomotives. In addition to locomotive and train databuses, Sécheron is also supplying cab equipment including the master traction/ braking controller and driver displays.

Patentes Talgo has been awarded a contract worth Pts300m to supply an underfloor wheel lathe to German Railway, due for delivery by February 2001 and capable of turning wheelsets weighing up to 35 tonnes. Trenes de Buenos Aires has ordered a 25 tonne unit for Pts107m and Lisboa Metro an 18 tonne unit for Pts95m.

Spanish contractor NECSO has ordered a TL70 tracklayer from Desec, capable of handling elements up to 40m in length and weighing up to 40 tonnes. Delivery is scheduled for May this year.

Reader Enquiry Numbers

Mors Smitt Relais 141

MultiModal Applied Systems Inc 142

Morris Powerlec Pty Ltd 143

QSS Group 144

Jantec 145

Spies Hecker 146

Sécheron Ltd 147

Patentes Talgo SA 148

Desec Ltd 149

CAPTION: A prototype cooler group redesigned by Serck Heat Transfer has been tested in a Class 43 HST power car by British operator Midland Main Line. It features a new radiator and a hydrostatic fan motor to replace the original gearbox-driven unit. Other benefits include improved airflow, as roof-mounted louvres to deflect water are no longer required.

Serck Heat Transfer, Great Britain. Reader Enquiry Number 140

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