METHOD FOR SWITCH REPLACEMENT Russian patent published in 2007 - IPC E01B29/02 

FIELD: railroad transport, particularly switch replacement means.

SUBSTANCE: method involves performing all load-lifting operations with the use of portal hoisting means having rail grippers and locks; cleaning railroad track base before new blocks laying, wherein replaced and new blocks are moved with the use the same transportation means; installing portal hoisting means at switch replacement zone; unloading new block from transportation means; moving the new block towards block to be replaced; laying the new block over block to be replaced and connecting both blocks by means of rail grippers to obtain block set; rotating the block set through straight angle by means of rail grips; installing the block set at portal hoisting means posts and attaching the block set to the posts by means of locks; moving the block set by rail grippers to opposite posts on another side thereof in the same position after free railroad track base cleaning; connecting the block set to the posts by locks and performing final track base cleaning from another side; separating new block from the block set along with remaining connection between block to be replaced and portal hoisting means posts; rotating new block and laying thereof on the base; connecting rail joints; engaging block to be replaced by rail grips and separating thereof from portal hoisting means posts; lifting and rotating the block to be connected and moving thereof to transportation means moved along reconstructed track.

EFFECT: simplified switch replacement procedure, increased capacity and safety of switch replacement works.

6 dwg