"A week of track machines" theme continues with a look at the Plasser-Theurer TJ107 Unimat 08-475/4S a self propelled (does not require loco transfer to worksites) ballast tamping machine. Tamping tines, located in the centre of the unit, pack ballast under the sleeper to produce a stable sleeper bed.
The tamping tines penetrate the ballast bed from above and comp[act the ballast under the sleeper with a squeezing movement. Two factors are evident in this procedure, all tamping tines work with the same pressure, lastly, all tamping tines vibrate with the ideal frequency of exactly 35Hz.
This directional linear vibration combined with non-synchronous tine movement produces a homogenously compacted ballast bed. This unit, being self propelled, can travel up to 100KMh speed on the main line between worksites.
TJ107 is smaller than TJ095 also featured but the operating principles and outcomes are virtually the same. The featured unit is owned and operated by Sydney Trains and is based in Sydney NSW. 14254hrs Friday 08th May 2020.
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