Railroads are an integral part of the modern logistical chain. Trains move passengers, products, and materials throughout the country. Trains often still have a romantic aura clinging to them, one that speaks of distant destinations and mysterious meetings. While modern trains may lack some of the glamour of past eras, they are invaluable to modern life, and their complex systems must be maintained. Here are four aspects of train maintenance.
Compressed Air
While coal once powered railroads, modern trains depend a great deal on the power of compressed air. Compression systems provide force for suspension, doors, and brakes on today’s trains. Without pure compressed air, these systems will not work well and may even fail.
Trains run in many different locations and atmospheric conditions, and sometimes humidity and pollution get trapped in compressed air systems. A major part of train maintenance involves filtering out dirt particles and moisture in existing compressed air systems. Sometimes, trains need air compressor installation Jacksonville FL. Knowledgeable workers must regularly inspect compressed air to keep trains running.
Maintenance Facilities
Trains, with their complicated mechanisms, must be stored and repaired at dedicated maintenance depots. These facilities have multiple areas for different repair needs, including:
- Heavy maintenance
- Inspections
- Cleaning
- Storing
These maintenance depots must be carefully designed to allow easy access by both road and rail to meet every service need that arises.
Rolling Stock Checks
Maintenance crews must check that trains meet safety regulations through rolling stock inspections. These important checks look for problems with major systems and parts such as wheels and couplers, for example. Crews check for wear or improper functioning. These regular checkups can help prevent derailments and other accidents. This aspect of maintenance also looks for ways to boost safety features and prevent fires.
Cleaning Idle Cars
Train cars that are not being used must be stabled safely. An important part of keeping fleets in top condition is cleaning and servicing idle trains. Wheels on stabled cars also must be checked regularly to ensure they have not worn down to the point of danger. Maintenance and storage depots have specific equipment to help crews inspect the condition of the wheels. Generally, if wheels are worn past a certain point, they must be reprofiled or replaced.
You may not think of trains much at all, but they play an important part in transporting materials that contribute to your daily life. In addition, the glamour of trains is undeniable and woven into the fabric of society. Maintenance is vital to keep trains safe and efficient so they can ride the rails for years to come.