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Rail Transport

Robel train unloading coated rails at Moerdijkbridge

Safe loading and unloading of long welded rails

New rails of different lengths and qualities can be transported with a train specially designed for this purpose. Including ultra-long welded rails with a just in time delivery service. End destination: directly to the customer's construction site. This saves customers a considerable amount of time, labour and costs regarding the installation of new rails. Less on site (thermite) welding is needed. Any required lengths and qualities can be delivered from the Rail Service Centre, where made-to-measure rails are sawn and welded.

Ultra-long rails delivered with Robel train

  • Shorter construction time
  • Faster than welding in track
  • Short downtime at the construction worksite
  • Possibility of retaining old rails (reserve logistics)
  • Planning flexibility
  • 24/7 availability
  • TSI certified wagons

Rail exchange system

The train is equipped with a rail manipulator and a gantry wagon. As well as a clamping wagon and specific wagons with secure buckets for loading and unloading the rails. The rails are placed on rollers in the buckets, which simplify the process of loading and unloading while at the same time providing lateral load protection. Two clamping wagons are placed on either side of these bucket wagons to prevent unexpected rolling and to secure the load. Depending on the load, the rails can be locked in one or both clamping wagons. These wagons are also fitted with safety locks to prevent the rails from sliding along the length of the train. The rails are lifted from the train with a rail manipulator, after which they are placed in outlet channels with guide rollers, which are located on either side of the train. The train then moves off from beneath the rails, which are then unloaded in a controlled manner.

Made to measure for each and every client

The Dutch Robel train is made up of two trains/sections of 180 metres. It is able to carry different profiles and lengths ranging from 24 to 360 metres. The maximum load is 24 rails of up to 360m spread over three different buckets. At least three or four employees are used for the safe and efficient unloading of the rails. Normally, a full train can be unloaded in about three to five hours. This depends on the type of load, the local conditions and the specific requirements of the client.

The Rail Service Centre has emergency stock available to guarantee short response times for customers.