Magnetically Attached Temporary Speed Restriction Boar

Network Rail IP Western division have kindly sponsored the development and trial of the innovative RSS magnetically Attached TSR Board (Temporary Speed Restriction Board). The final part of the trial took place in a ‘live’ situation at Tumpy Green Lane, Dursley, Gloucestershire, courtesy of Network Rail and Balfour Beatty Rail.

As you can see in the video, no ballast was required to be removed or replaced, and so the installation and removal of the TSR Board was completed by one man in a 5minute ‘line blockage’, rather than taking a ‘full possession’ with a gang of 5 operatives,  saving both time and expense. Initially the sign was twice the size of a conventional TSR sign to give it maximum exposure to the forces (air turbulence) created by the train movement through the air, and ‘black bagged’ to avoid any potential for confusion of train drivers. A Passenger Train at 80 km/h was passed by the TSR Sign initially, followed by the NR Track measurement Train, a Passenger Train travelling at 160 km/h and then a freight train at 120 km/h. As you can see from the video, there was no visible movement or impact on the TSR Board. It remained firmly in position despite being twice the size of a conventional sign and therefore subject to greater loadings.

The trial was deemed an unqualified success and the completed RSS Magnetically Attached TSR Board is progressing to full approval by Network Rail.