Bolt on the right lines

Supplied to Balfour Beatty Rail Track Systems, based in Nottingham, the C50L Lockbolt was specified for an inclined, part-welded crossing. Brian Hayles, special network standards engineer at Balfour Beatty, points out that the major advantage of using the Lockbolt compared to a nut and bolt system post installation is virtually zero maintenance. "Although the inclined crossing solution provides a better profile for the wheels of a train to roll on every rail-bearing position, depending on its location, could require a different base plate. However, due to the ease of installation and the resultant joint strength the use of the C50L fasteners offers the flexibility needed to deal with this situation. "In addition, the nut and bolt option requires auxiliary tapered washers to correct the inclined angle of the track which may compromise the clamp force and is an additional cost."