Trackguard retarders

Precisely control car speed and spacing

Reliable, exact speed control is imperative for safe and efficient sidings and classification yards. Siemens Trackguard TW-F and TW-E retarders control car speed in humping operations while Trackguard TKG piston retarders enable precise spacing in the classification zones. Together they help improve yard performance. These state-of-the art retarders are also easy to deploy and maintain.

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Innovation in the rail yard

Improving yard efficiency while reducing noise

Siemens Mobility provides the hardware and software needed to increase capacity in yard operations. Our innovative offerings solve problems across your operations, from speed control and car spacing to high-frequency noise.

Delivering optimum retarding performance for every yard

Retarders have a variety of applications and requirements based on their location in the yard and on yard conditions. The modular design of our Trackguard TW-F and TW-E clasp retarders makes it easy to meet specific hump conditions, which vary considerably from yard to yard. They can be fitted to one or two rails and come in different lengths. They also use identical parts in order to reduce costs for maintenance and spare parts storage.

 

Trackguard Retarder TKG piston retarders can be used in all rail profiles, rail fastening accessories, and sleeper types. They are known for their long life span, favorable cost of ownership, and low emissions. A unique, maintenance-friendly design means worn-out pistons can be replaced separately. We also offer Trackguard Retarder TKG gradient compensation retarders, Trackguard Retarder PUCK retarding segments, and Trackguard Electric Grip retarders.

'Trackguard Retarders' product brochure

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Trackguard TW-F and TW-E clasp retarders

How do Trackguard TW-F and TW-E clasp retarders operate?

Our clasp retarders are operated by a computer control system, such as Siemens Trackguard MSR 32 control system. This combination allows for the accurate and efficient movement and sorting of cars across humps and into classification zones and switching tracks.

Principle of operation

With the Trackguard Retarder TW-F and TW-E clasp retarders, rolled retarding beams are mounted on individual power units. The retarding segments are wear parts that are bolted on facing the railhead. The power units use rubber-spring assemblies to create a controllable pressing force that is applied to the retarding beams. These segments only need to be replaced or reconditioned after they’ve been used on 5 to 7 million axles.

Optimum controllability

Short response times are crucial for good controllability. Trackguard Retarder TW-F and TW-E retarders provide response of just 100 milliseconds between stages. Exact control of the retarder’s exit speed is ensured when the electronic Trackguard Cargo MSR 32 control system is used. The controller electromagnetically operates the control plate’s valves, which are integrated into a closed control loop.

Hydraulic controller

The oil-operated central hydraulic system has two fitted pumps and electric motors with a driving power of 22 kW each. Special pressure switches control the oil pressure within a narrow range of 160 to 180 bar. Deviations in temperature, oil level, and filter condition are recorded by the Trackguard Cargo MSR 32 control system and transmitted to the operator and the maintenance staff.

Reduced noise, increased capacity

The retarding process can cause car wheels to vibrate and squeal. Through research and testing in real-life operating conditions, Siemens developed innovative retarding segments that reduce high-frequency noise considerably. Called PUCK segments, they are made of special cast iron with excellent sliding properties for reliable retarding. They also increase the average friction coefficient, which increases retarding capacity.

Environmental protection

The external piping between the central hydraulic system and the retarders is housed in oil-tight ducts. This minimizes the risk of leakage and contributes to effective environmental protection.

Trackguard TKG piston retarder

How do Trackguard TKG piston retarders operate?

Piston retarders are primarily used for deceleration and coasting runs on sidings and in classification yards. Trackguard TKG retarders are automatically controlled by a speed-based hydraulic valve system in the damper so they don’t need a power supply. The damper is the active retarding element. It can be permanently set to different response rates and damper forces.

Installation and fitting

Trackguard TKG piston retarders are installed in the same way regardless of the rail profile and whether rails are worn or new. There are no restrictions on distances between track center, curves or gradients. They can be used with any rail fastening accessories or sleepers. They are fitted by drilling holes in the rail web and can easily be adjusted to rail wear levels of up to 7 mm.

Operation, maintenance, inspection

Trackguard TKG retarders are retractable for locomotive runs and can be adjusted on site. No special tools are required for operation, maintenance, and inspection. Trackside maintenance and inspection work can usually be performed by one person and without connecting to a power supply. Pistons can be replaced without having to dismount the entire retarder..

Variable retarding

The valve system in the damper is speed dependent. When a car traverses the retarder, the wheel flange presses against the piston tube, forcing down the damper’s piston rod. The valve system then decides whether the car continues to roll retarded or unretarded based on the car’s traversal speed in relation to the piston’s response speed. 

Constant retarding

When required on a deceleration run, the Trackguard TKG piston retarder can slow a car until it comes to a standstill. In these instances, a “zero” response speed is used to extract energy from the passing cars, making them stop. These retarders can also be used to keep stabled cars in position and on the track.

Gradient compensation retarding

Siemens also offers Trackguard TKG gradient compensation retarders, which are used primarily in classification yards. They have 16 piston retarders and a device for lowering the piston tubes, which moves the retarder into the active or inactive position without interrupting operations. They can also be used in humping operations.

Climate conditions, ambient temperature

The retarding elements function constantly at climate conditions prevailing in North America. The ambient temperature range is –25 ºC to +40 ºC.

Dimensioning

The piston retarders are dimensioned based on each track's height and is confirmed during humping simulation.

Active water protection

The guide cylinder of a Trackguard TKG piston retarder is designed like an oil drip pan that safely collects any oil emissions caused by damage.

'Trackguard Retarder product brochure

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References

Proven technology

Šķirotava
Lativa

Up to 250 cars per hour

  • Marshaling yard near the Latvian capital of Riga

  • 26 classification track retarders, with a total of 4 lower and upper main retarders in use

  • Capacity of up to 250 cars per hour

Maschen
Germany

Two shunting directions and 88 classification track retarders

  • One of Europe‘s largest marshalling yards in terms of area 

  • Located next to Hamburg’s port facilities, the yard consists of two shunting directions and systems 

  • 88 classification track retarders, 12 lower and upper main retarders in use

Lausanne
Switzerland

Yard handling 20% of Switzerland’s domestic rail cargo transport

  • Switzerland's second largest marshaling yard

  • Handles 20% of Switzerland's domestic and around 2% of the country’s cross-border import and export rail cargo transport 

  • Maximum capacity of up to 200 cars per hour

Mannheim
Germany

Key marshaling yard for rail cargo transport in southwest Germany

  • The yard in Mannheim consists of two systems – one running east-west, the other west-east

  • Capacity of up to 150 cars per hour per system

  • Besides a total of 4 lower track retarders and 41 classification track retarders, some 160 gradient compensation retarders are installed – including 2,340 single TKG retarder elements

Nuremberg
Germany

One of the world’s largest gravity yards

  • The marshaling yard looks back on a history of more than 100 years

  • Some 38,400 single TKG retarder elements are being used on the coasting runs

  • 13 upper and lower track retarders as well as 68 classification track retarders

Graz
Austria

Major modernization of one of Austria’s largest marshaling yards

  • Facing a growing volume of cargo and to meet higher quality standards, the yard underwent major modernization in 2011

  • Capacity of up to 1,700 cars per day and a peak performance of 100 cars per hour

  • 22 clasp retarders and some 330 TKG retarders, including 5,071 single elements are installed

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