Jarvis’s innovative modular installation system delivers step change in S&C renewals

The Mark 1 Modular S&C System – developed jointly by Jarvis Rail and its sister company Fastline in line with the aims of Network Rail’s modular switch and crossing programme – renewed a total of five point ends including two crossovers, a single lead and over 300 metres of plain line during the single possession at Hunterston, near Largs. This is more than double the two point ends which can be laid by traditional methods in a similar possession.

By working together, the companies have developed a tandem lift capability which is carried out using a pair of Fastline track renewal machines to lift and install the S&C system. Using a specifically designed 24.5m lifting beam the system delivered a significant reduction in working hours and achieved an 11% cost reduction when compared to conventional relay methods.

Group Managing Director for Jarvis Rail and Fastline, Mike Houghton said: "The new system has the potential to revolutionise the way that S&C projects are approached. It provides significant benefits in terms of cost and time efficiencies whilst simultaneously improving safety levels.

"The system will undoubtedly bring us closer to achieving eight hour possessions and a 7 day railway because of the step change that it delivers. Importantly, this project also demonstrates how the Network Rail, Jarvis Rail, Fastline and STRC teams are able to seamlessly work together to deliver projects safely and cost effectively."

The Modular S&C System was first trialled at Innerwick, Scotland, in October 2006 where the lifting beam was thoroughly tested to ensure that it would provide the rate of installation required. Over the course of the next five months, the joint R&D team set about improving the system’s on site management and installation methods to create the Mark 1 system used so successfully at Hunterston.

Mike Houghton said: "The original idea for the tandem lifting beam came from one of our Development Engineers in Scotland. Since the development and successful trial of the system in October, we have made some enhancements. We knew that by employing our philosophy of continuous improvement we could create even greater efficiencies. At Hunterston it showed exactly what it could do and highlighted its huge potential going forward."

"We are totally committed to investing in projects like this to ensure that our customers receive leading edge solutions that will enable them to achieve their objectives, whether in the short, medium or long term. As a business, we are now in a much stronger position both operationally and financially and are looking to invest further in heavy plant and R&D so that we can develop new technologies and exceed our customers’ expectations."

ends

For further information please contact:

Toni Jackson - Group Communications Manager

T: 01904 712 667
M: 07921 939 031

Back to top