On the fourth rail at Parsons Green

[uzairjubilee]

Hi all,
At Parsons Green, where the points are, why is there white paint on the edge of the fourth rail (I think that is the one in the middle) where there are rail gaps.

Also, why are there zig-zag lines on some of the track in the Parsons Green area?

Thanks
Uzair

[Colin]

Aug 1, 2008 11:35:13 GMT uzairjubilee said:

At Parsons Green, where the points are, why is there white paint on the edge of the fourth rail (I think that is the one in the middle) where there are rail gaps.

You'll find this in almost every depot & siding on LU!! The ends of all the traction Current rail sections are painted white so that anyone on foot in the area can clearly see them - at least that's why I've always thought they were so treated.

Aug 1, 2008 11:35:13 GMT uzairjubilee said:

Also, why are there zig-zag lines on some of the track in the Parsons Green area?

Again, this is present all over LU - the 'zig zag' lines are metal welded to the rail head and has two purposes. The main purpose is to assist the track circuits on parts of track that are lightly used; the second purpose is that it causes the train to vibrate as it passes over.....offering a reminder to the driver that he must go slow.

[astock5000]

Again, this is present all over LU - the 'zig zag' lines are metal welded to the rail head and has two purposes. The main purpose is to assist the track circuits on parts of track that are lightly used; the second purpose is that it causes the train to vibrate as it passes over.....offering a reminder to the driver that he must go slow.[/quote]
There is something like that at Euston (mainline station, not LU) in the platforms, just before the buffers.

[21146]

I never thought the "roaring" noise when passing over couragated rail heads was intentional but it certainly encouraged me to slow down entering Barking Sidings.

[Deleted]

it is purely there to assist the track circuit as a rusty rail will not shunt (drop) the track relay properly i think the juddering when riding over them is just a by product

[mrfs42]

Aug 1, 2008 14:16:31 GMT @21146 said:

I never thought the "roaring" noise when passing over couragated rail heads was intentional but it certainly encouraged me to slow down entering Barking Sidings.

'Wiggly wire' zig-zags are used for that very purpose on LU; albeit secondarily to them being used as ensuring that the track relay is shunted. I'm sure that most of the zig-zags these days use a rust-resistant alloy to maintain track circuit conductivity.

On NR the purpose is just to ensure that the tracks drop - especially on the approach to an infrquently used barrier level crossing

[ribaric]

I'm sure that most of the zig-zags these days use a rust-resistant alloy to maintain track circuit conductivity.

Is also my understanding.