Derails

Emergency Stopping Power to protect your spur track

ONLY A DERAIL can stop a runaway freight car or prevent a locomotive from moving a parked rail car without authorization. OSHA, FRA and DOT require derail protection for all active rail sidings.

How Derails Work

If a car or locomotive runs into a derail the angled derail shoe will lift the flange of the wheel and drop it clear of the rail. The wheel on the other rail will fall between the rails. When the wheels are off the rails they bite into the soft surface of ties and ballast and slide to a stop.

 

 

 

Here are some guidelines to choosing a derail, but before purchasing be sure to check with your local railroad to be sure you are using the type appropriate for your track conditions.

How to choose the right kind of derail.

1.

Permanent vs. Portable

A permanent derail (hinged or retractable) gives you the convenience and security of a derail ready at all times to prevent unauthorized entry or car movement on your siding.

A portable derail gives you the flexibility of temporarily protecting any rail siding on your property.

2.

Do you need 1-way or 2-way derail protection?

If your main concern is preventing unauthorized locomotive entry to your siding, choose a 1-way derail.

If you also need to prevent a rollaway car from leaving your siding, use a 2-way derail.

3.

What size locomotives operate on your siding?

4-axle: choose 1-way or 2-way, any derail style

6-axle: choose 1-way derails, in any derail style. Do not use 2-way derails (the angle of deflection of the longer wheel base is too sharp for 2-ways) .. use two 1-way back-to-back if traffic comes from two directions.

4.

Type of rail and ties

If you have exposed rail built on wooden ties you can use any derail

If your track on steel ties, you choice of derail is limited to the hinged derail plus our steel tie adapter plate..

Do not use any derail on track built with resin or concrete ties .. a hinged or moveable wedge-type car stop may serve in place of a derail ... contact us for advice. Another alternative is to replace two of the resin or concrete ties with wooden ties.

Do not use derails on flush rail. The derailed wheels may not be able to sufficently dig into the surrounding pavement to bring the car to a prompt stop. The alternative is to excavate the pavement in order install a hinged or moveable wedge-type car stop. Contact us for advice.

5.

Rail Size

Portable derails fit all rail sizes, 90 lb. and up. Hinged and retractable derails are made in four standard sizes, each of which fits a small range of rails. Submit a sizing form when ordering hinged or retractable derails.

6.

Direction of Throw

(direction of throw is from the viewpoint of the oncoming locomotive or rail car.)