Track Renewal And Maintenance Machine (TRAMM) No DR98211

Track Renewal And Maintenance Machine (TRAMM) No DR98211 arrived on the railway in July from Balfour Beatty Rail Plant. The vehicle consists of a self-propelled 4 wheeled tractor and trailer coupled together, with a driving cab at each end. At the rear of the tractor there is a hydraulic crane capable of lifting ¾ tonne at 6.5m radius or 2 ½ tonnes at 2m radius. Whilst the crane is being operated, it is possible to drive the machine from the crane cab. The machine is also capable of carrying 7 tonnes of materials loaded on the tractor unit, and a further 10 tonnes of materials loaded on the trailer. It is powered by a Rolls Royce 265 hp ‘Eagle' 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that drives a Twin Disc TDCM-511R powershift gearbox, which in turn drives both axles on the tractor unit through a differential splitter gearbox. A vane type triple pump driven by a PTO on the gearbox supplies the hydraulic pressure for the crane.

It is intended, when time permits, to make this already useful and practical unit even more versatile by providing a facility to run a flail from the crane jib to assist with vegetation control along the lineside. This requires the fitment of large diameter hydraulic hoses to the crane jib to provide sufficient hydraulic flow to cause the flail motor to spin up to the correct speed, as well as providing control valves and mounting equipment. It is also planned to fit a generator in one of the under frame storage lockers to power portable lighting equipment, portable power tools and also provide electricity for staff mess facilities (microwaves etc.).