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    PITSTOP: The Availability Optimizer

    A modular fixed-crossing renewal concept designed for short possession windows, enabling fast, targeted intervention in the most wear-critical area of a turnout.  

    Every maintenance window matters. PITSTOP enables rapid renewal of the wheel-transition area, helping infrastructure managers reduce disruption, restore service faster, and protect network availability while maintaining proven fixed-crossing practices. 

    Value at a Glance

    • Protect network availability: Enable maintenance interventions that fit more effectively into limited possession windows and help return infrastructure to service sooner
    • Renew only the worn section: Focus renewal activities on the wheel-transition area instead of replacing the complete crossing
    • Preserve familiar maintenance practices: Introduce modular maintainability while retaining conventional installation, welding, testing, and inspection routines

    How It Works

    PITSTOP introduces an exchangeable insert of the wheel-transition area. Instead of carrying out repair welding in track, the worn insert can be replaced and the crossing returned to service.

    The removed insert can subsequently be refurbished under controlled factory conditions and prepared for future reinstallation.

    This shifts maintenance from repairing wear in track to renewing a dedicated wear component.

    Customer Benefits

      • Renew the wear-critical wheel-transition area instead of replacing the complete crossing
      • Keep maintenance activities focused on the section that experiences the highest wear 

      • Support maintenance actions where possession times are limited
      • Return assets to service faster through targeted renewal activities 

      • Establish a refurbishment cycle for removed inserts under controlled factory conditions
      • Align insert materials and maintenance strategies with operational requirements 

    Designed for Demanding Operating Conditions

    PITSTOP is typically applied in operating environments of Mixed Traffic and Urban Traffic Metro, characterized by: 

    • Dense train operations 
    • Tightly constrained maintenance windows  
    • High service availability requirements 

    In these contexts, maintenance interventions must be precisely targeted, predictable in duration, and compatible with existing operational practices. 

    PITSTOP as Part of an Integrated System

    • The wheel-transition area (insert) is exchanged instead of entire crossing
    • Insert replacement within one hour
    • No in-track welding required for insert replacement
    • Removed inserts can be refurbished under controlled factory conditions
    • Compatible with conventional installation and welding procedures 

    PITSTOP keeps installation simple and familiar but takes a new approach to maintenance by replacing only what wears, not the entire crossing.